25 November,2025 09:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nikhil Siddhartha in Swayambhu
A team of Vietnamese sword-fighting experts were flown in to train the stunt artistes who worked on Karthikeya star Nikhil Siddhartha's upcoming film Swayambhu, revealed a source close to the team. On Monday, the makers of the historical action epic, starring Nikhil Siddhartha, Samyuktha, and Nabha Natesh, announced the film's wrap with a behind-the-scenes video titled Rise of Swayambhu. Offering an extensive glimpse into the film's scale and world-building, the video has received tremendous appreciation. While it showcased several thrilling fight sequences, it has now been revealed that the team underwent intense training from Vietnamese sword-fighting experts.
According to an independent industry source, "A team of Vietnamese sword-fighting experts were flown in to train the stunt artistes who shot for the film. Several hundred artistes were part of the massive climax sequence, which was filmed over 60 days at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad."
It is already known that Nikhil Siddhartha travelled to Vietnam for extensive martial arts training for the film. He trained rigorously and became skilled enough to wield a sword with either hand, showcasing remarkable proficiency.
Rooted in India's cultural heritage, 'Swayambhu' will delve into untold chapters of the past - stories that extend far beyond traditional tales of kings and wars. At its heart lies the saga of a formidable warrior whose valour shaped an era.
In the video, Nikhil also introduced his horse, Maruthi, and highlighted the exceptional technical team responsible for crafting this magnum opus. The actor underwent a complete physical transformation and rigorous training to portray this demanding role with authenticity and intensity. He has even dubbed in his own voice for his role in the Hindi version to lend greater authenticity to the narrative.
The film boasts some of the finest technicians in the entertainment industry, including director Bharat Krishnamachari, KGF and Salaar music director Ravi Basrur, Baahubali and RRR cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar, Baahubali editor Tammiraju, and several other top creative talents. The ambitious project was shot over 170 production days.
Swayambhu has been produced by Bhuvan and Shreekar of Pixel Studios. Presented as an epic tribute to India's rich history and timeless glory, the film is set for a worldwide release on February 13 next year, coinciding with Maha Shivaratri.
