30 July,2026 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Upala KBR
Vicky Kaushal will also have to learn archery for the role
Before Vicky Kaushal understands the mental make-up of Chiranjeevi Parashurama, he will have to attain the physicality of the warrior for Mahavatar. mid-day has learnt that the actor will reunite with fitness coach Tejas Lalwani, with whom he worked on Chhaava (2025), for Amar Kaushik's directorial venture. Word is that before the mythological epic rolls in December, Kaushal will be required to gain over 25 kilos for the role.
The leading man's training will begin from September, giving him three months to transform into the powerfully built warrior sage. A source revealed, "Vicky gained 25 kilograms for his role in Chhaava, going from 80 kg to 105 kg. For Mahavatar however, he will have to look much bigger. Depicted in ancient texts as a towering personality, Parashurama was granted invincibility and immortality. To stay true to that image, Vicky will have to attain a bulky physique, with a broad chest and immense physical strength as he will have to wield the parashu - Parashurama's divine axe - in many sequences."
Training, nutrition, and recovery will be the three pillars on which Kaushal's transformation will rest. An intensive core training programme is being designed by Lalwani and nutritionist Alkesh Sharotri. "His regimen will include multi-joint exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups, adding more weight continuously and increasing repetitions. His diet will be reworked entirely so that he has 250 to 500 extra calories every day to fuel new tissue growth. Nuts, dairy, and whole grains will be part of the diet, with an added emphasis on proteins. Rest forms the last leg; Vicky will need eight hours of sleep for muscle tissue repairs. Also, 48 hours of rest is required before training the same muscle group again to ensure proper recovery."
Amar Kaushik. Pics/Instagram
