The story
Dutch ships approach the Travancore coast. Kandan, a Kalari master, joins fishermen and recruits defending their home. Chekavar imagines the fear, resolve and shared courage of people facing war. Its characters and plot are fictional; the real battle is the historical backdrop.
The filmmakers
Written and directed by Gijo Uthuppu, from Avium Studios and Garuda X Media. Music was composed by Mehul P. Vyas. The film is a 30-minute Hindi historical action drama.
AI filmmaking with real movement
AI formed a core part of the image-making process, creating the period world, ships and larger battle sequences. The team filmed real Kalari practitioners using real weapons to inform physical movement and action timing. Human direction shaped story, camera language and performance; editing, music, sound and colour completed the film.
Read Avium’s production case study for the filmmaking approach, or explore the director’s reflections on craft and technology.
IICT and YouTube: Create with AI
Chekavar was developed through Create with AI, a collaboration between IICT and YouTube. IICT provided facilities and mentorship, while Google and YouTube supported access to AI tools. Gemini and Flow formed part of the creative workflow.
Read the film’s Create with AI journey.
Film and history
Chekavar is a work of historical fiction, not a documentary. The historical archive explains the Battle of Colachel separately and provides references for readers who want to explore the real events.
Watching the film
Chekavar is now available on YouTube. Open the film on YouTube. Released 7 October 2026.