The Wrestler’s Cane

Year : 2023
By Lalit Mohan Joshi

The Wrestler’s Cane is about India and one of its extraordinary art forms that changed the life of Uday Deshpande. In December 2016 his Ted Talk inspired the audience. “India has given a lot of pearls to the world- the concept of zero, the mother of all languages ‘Sanskrit’, the first University of the world ‘Takshashila’, plastic surgery, Yoga, the list goes on. But one such pearl which many are not aware is Mallakhamb.”

Philippa Frisby’s film transports you to a unique world of human possibilities. It tells the story of physical discipline and accomplishment through perseverance, humility and hard work. It tells the story of an unexplored traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb.

Philippa Frisby conceives it as a journey, beginning with the drone shots that enable the audience to feel the grandeur and vast expanse of mother nature. It opens the doors of this adventure called The Wrestler’s Cane.

The audience enters the world of Mallakhamb with its protagonist Uday Deshpande, at the driving seat on a two wheeler. By his humane subdued demeanour you can’t fathom his inner confidence and achievements that has turned him to the ‘renaissance man of Mallakhamb’. The film explores this.

You enter village Kothure in Nashik, Maharashtra where the founder of Mallakhamb, Ballambhatt Dada Deodhar was born in 1780.

The audience visits the birthplace of Ballambhatt Dada Deodhar with Uday Deshpande and his colleague Neeta Tatke. The sport is inspired by the Hindu deity Hanuman who chiselled the wooden pole in a dream. You meet those who are dedicated to Mallakhamb and its evolution now as the story unfolds.

Uday Deshpande’s success to revive this extraordinary art form hits a rock when he is confronted by some keen but physically challenged children. “My test came when mute, deaf and dumb children came to learn from me.”  This twist in the documentary eventually educates the mentor. “Those children taught me how to teach.”

‘The Wrestler’s Cane’ is also about a dream to see Mallakhamb as an Olympic Sport. This aspiration shines and is mirrored through the successful organising of the First Mallakhamb World Championship in February 2019 in India where several countries from the east and west participated.

Skilfully using research, history, animation, music and anecdotes ‘The Wrestler’s Cane’ is an inspired film that touches you.

The Wrestler’s Cane (2023)
Director: Philippa Frisby
Co-Director: Shashank Sharma
Producer: Philippa Frisby (Indigo Eye Productions)
Executive Producer: Alok Mishra
Editor: Meghna Ashchitr
Music: Davide Ongaro
Sound Designer: George Schofield