Did you know these Indian Art Forms Were Shown in Hanumankind’s Run it Up Music Video?

“I put money down on all of us, on my people now, on what I love.” These lines truly represent the Indianess Hanumakind is trying to bring through his song “Run It Up.” The track, which is an anthem in itself, is a true representation of the Indian culture, art forms and sports in the form of visuals. For the ones confused, Hanumankind, the global fame behind the song Big Dawgs and a rapper from Kerala, India, has released his new song titled “Run It Up”, which beautifully showcases the Indian culture in its maximum capacity possible. The music video shows vivid cultures from across India. Let’s break it down for you, with timestamps, you can watch every art form unevil. 

Chenda Melam or Drums - Instrument from Kerala

The track’s opening beats are struck with Kerala’s Chenda Melam or Drums mixed with modern techno beats. 

Artists Performing the Chenda Drums:  Abijith MA, Vishnu Raj, Athulunnichen, Ratheesh Poly, Nikhil Dinesh, Anand, Akhil Das, Abhijith MV, Latheesh Ravi, Midhun E S, Rahul Ravi, Sachin Santhosh, Umesh Unni, Abhijith V R, Shahul A M, Vishnu Bramangalam, Anish K R, Rajeev KR, Hari Krishnan, Anuraj Maniyan, Binu MS, Amal Dev, Ajeesh and Akhil Ponn.

Kalaripayattu - Martial Art from Kerala 

As the song proceeds further, at about 0:32 seconds, you will see a guy performing Kalaripayattu, also known as the "mother of martial arts." It originated in Kerala about 3000 years ago and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving martial art forms. The props used in this martial art is “Valum Parichayum", where "Valu" refers to the sword and "Paricha" to the shield. Urumi is a particular type of sword used in this combat sport. 

Artists Performing Kalaripayattu: Vishnu Sak, Prajeesh, Akash, Abhimanyu and Nevin

Mardani Khel - Weapon-based Martial Art from Maharashtra 

Just after 2 seconds at 0:34, you will be transported to the Maratha empire. Mardani Khel is an armed martial art from Maharashtra. It is particularly known for its use of the uniquely Indian Patta (sword) and Vita (corded lance). This warrior sport was supposedly popularised by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the Maratha empire. 

Artists Performing Mardani Khel: Harshada Abhijeet Deshmukh, Vinayak Nandkumar Sutar, Sonali Jeevandas Kadu, Raj Ashok Mankar and Rahul Pandurang Mohite.

Gatka - Martial Art from Punjab 

The video further, at 0:39 seconds pops a glimpse of Gatka, a Sikh martial art form known for its swift moments and rapidity. It is generally performed with wooden Lathi (sticks) representing swords and Phari (shields) representing defence weapons. It has its roots in the 15th-century Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

Artists Performing Gatka: Vikas Singh, Harmeet Singh, Jagjit Singh, Amritpl Singh, Baljot Singh and Jagdeep Singh. 

Thang-Ta - Martial Art from Manipur  

At about 0:43 seconds, the ancient art of Manipur is showcased. Thang-Ta is the traditional Meitei Art of the Sword and Spear. Also known as Huyen Langlon, the armed martial art technique mainly uses swords, called Thang, and spears, known as Ta. The other unarmed component of Huyen Langlon is known as Sarit-Sarak. According to local legends, the art form was started by the creator of the Meitei people, Tin Sidaba, and the instruments originated from his limbs, which is just believed to be popular folklore.

Artists Performing Thang-Ta: Iron Ronaldo Meitei and Takhellambam Rabi Singh

Garudan Parva - Dance form from Kerala

Garudan Parava is a traditional dance form of central Kerala honouring lord Garuda. Garuda is the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu, and according to a myth, Lord Vishnu sent Garuda to quench the thirst of Goddess Kali after she slew the demon king Darika in a fiercely fought battle. This ritual is usually performed in Bhadrakali temples across Kerala as an offering to Goddess Kali by her devotees. As you can see at 0:46 seconds in Run It Up’s music video, a man dressed up as Garuda performs a ritualistic dance to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam and Kombu. The performance incorporates 18 Thalavattam (rhythmic patterns).

Artist Performing Garudan Parva: Anandhu P Valsan

Vellattam - Ritual Dance from Kerala 

Vellattam is an invocative ritual performed before Theyyam, a traditional ritualistic art form of North Kerala. It is believed that Vellattam, or Vellattu, is performed before Theyyam so that the performers can enter a trance-like state, embodying the deity and blessing devotees before the actual act.

Artist Performing Vellatham: Sajeesh Cheliya

Kandannar Kelan - Dance from Kerala 

Kandanar Kelan is a specific type of Theyyam performed in Kerala's Malabar region. It honours the legendary figure Kandanar Kelan, a warrior who is said to have been reborn after a forest fire. This is a more fierce form of Theyyam with its fiery visuals and the performer's energetic dance, often including running through fir, as shown in the music video towards the end. 

Artist Performing Kandannar Kelan: Vijeesh Panangad