An engrossing documentary about the ancient Indian sport of Mallakhamb, The Wrestler’s Cane isn’t just about sport, but also endurance in a physical and mental sense, philosophy, teaching, and history.
Made by Indigo Eye Productions, Philippa Frisby’s film challenges the ‘you can’t do’ perspective by focusing on a range of Mallakhamb practitioners from young boys to women, older devotees to the visually challenged.
It follows Uday Deshpande, a towering figure within this sport who’s just been honoured with the Padma Shri Award for his outstanding contribution to Mallakhamb. Using either rope or climbing up a smooth eight-foot pole, those who learn and practise this sport find peace, energy, and inspiration.
This makes the film itself an intriguing watch – I hadn’t heard of Mallakhamb before and could only watch with some wonder as people climb to places where they then reflect, sit, do yoga, or enact some of the traditional poses.
Deshpande firmly believes that devotion to such a discipline informs other areas of life, allowing people to explore and challenge their fears and push themselves beyond their limits. Where this sport is particularly important is to those who have no sight, allowing them agency and freedom.
Outside of a discussion and demonstration of the sport, we see students in their daily life, for example preparing a meal or having generic conversations. What The Wrestler’s Cane tells us is that humans can ‘do’ whatever they set their mind to, if they have the drive to do it.
The film is in both English and Indian dialects, with subtitles throughout. The tone is conversational and the filming is in fly-on-the-wall style, which makes even scripted elements feel real and immediate. If Mallakhamb is, as one speaker affirms, “a gift the Divine has given back” it is a precious gift that gives these people purpose and positivity.
You can find details about The Wrestler’s Cane on its dedicated website.