Guru Ranjan Mullaratt

About the Guru

A B.Sc. graduate, Ranjan trained under the legendary P.K. Balan Gurukkal of Kerala, mastering Kalaripayattu in its traditional form. In 1999, he established the Kalari Academy of Performing Arts (KAPA) in Bangalore, and later founded the Kalari Gurukulam Society in 2010 to preserve and globalize this 3,000-year-old martial art.

As the visionary behind Kalari Gurukulam, he has successfully blended discipline, performance, and healing, making Kalaripayattu accessible to students across continents. His leadership has transformed the institution into one of India’s most respected centers for traditional martial arts training.

Kalari Gurukulam – A Legacy of Strength & Tradition

Under his guidance, Kalari Gurukulam has become a global hub for authentic Kalaripayattu learning and research. The institution trains athletes, performers, and wellness enthusiasts, keeping the spirit of the warrior tradition alive while adapting to modern lifestyles.

Filmography & Creative Works

• Director & Writer: Award-winning film Look Back Beyond the Blades (Best Director, UFMC Bangkok 2024)
• Producer: Kalaripayattu martial arts feature film DHEHI starring Kishore Kumar
• Author: Kalaripayattu: Ancient Secrets to Modern Living
• Founder: Kalari Gurukulam & Kalari Academy of Performing Arts (KAPA)

He has also choreographed Kalaripayattu sequences for several iconic Indian films, including:

• PS2 (Dir. Mani Ratnam)
• Delhi 6 (Abhishek Bachchan)
• Magadheera (Ram Charan)
• Thamas (Shivrajkumar)
• Anthu Inthu Preethi Bandhu (Ramya)

Awards & Recognitions

• Best Director – “Look Back Beyond the Blades” (Bangkok International Film Festival, 2024)
• Swami Vivekananda and Sister Margaret Award (2016) for contributions to Kalaripayattu

Cultural Performances

• Represented India at the Festival Latitudes Vilette Lude de Sud, France
• Showcased Kalaripayattu at the Olympic Council of Asia, Kuwait
• Performed at Hampi Festival, Mysore Dasara, Drishti Dance Festival (Bangalore), and Konark Festival (Odisha)

Contributions to Performing Arts & Education

Beyond cinema, Ranjan Mullaratt has introduced Kalaripayattu to theater, fitness, and education. He has trained renowned personalities including Puneeth Rajkumar, Sri Murali, Vijay Raghavendra, Bhavana, and Sourav Ganguly. His instructional materials and publications ensure the transmission of this knowledge to future generations.