India's Ultimate Warrior Review: Vidyut Jammwal's show is better than Rohit Shetty's Khatron Ke Khiladi

The first two episodes of India's Ultimate Warrior dropped on March 4 on Discovery+. Vidyut Jammwal, who made his debut as a host with it, showcases his incredible Kalaripayattu skills. Here's our review.

Vidyut Jammwal’s India’s Ultimate Warrior doesn’t beat around the bush. In an era where reality TV shows run after TRPs, this one is happy not to draw itself out with lengthy dialogues, exposition-filled cutscenes or emotional backstories. Vidyut, who made his debut as a host, commands the fight camp and helps 16 contestants as they go through several challenges. On this warrior-based reality show, Vidyut, along with four mentors, looks for the fighter with the perfect blend of physical and mental attributes. The first two episodes were released today, March 4.

India's Ultimate Warrior is the country’s first reality show that is based on a warrior theme. While Vidyut Jammwal is the Dojo Master, Bi Nguyen 'Killer Bee' (Pro MMA fighter), Mykel Hawke (Special Forces Veteran), Shaun Kober (Combat Veteran) and Shifu Kanishka (Shaolin Kungfu Grandmaster) are the mentors. 16 elite fighters and athletes have been selected from across India to demonstrate their skills and prove they are the ultimate warrior.

The first two episodes throw you into the action right away and rarely lets a moment of ease set in. It is also remarkable in its execution. The contestants are tested on their control, the way they overcome fear, their determination and their techniques. Here, women and men are at par. They are paired against each other equally. In fact, the Star Warrior of Episode 1 was a choice between two women! The contestants were also taught to let go of their fears in the task where they had to climb down the hill. During the Kushti task, their control was checked and their technique was tested in the Shock Knife task. During the Water Slapping task, their mental toughness came into play. Apart from the tasks, the contestants’ interpersonal relationships and friendships also take up a sizable portion of the show.

Vidyut, as a host, is calm and composed. There’s no extra drama to him and he’s straight to the point. Viewers will be hooked by the way he delivers his dialogues and reprimands or encourages the fighters. He also demonstrates his Kalaripayattu skills on the show and gives away some memorable life lessons.

For example, he narrated the story of runners Abbey D’Agostino of the US and Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand helping each other after they fell down during the 2016 Olympics. Vidyut said that people who show determination and kindness are remembered, not those who win. He also teaches that ‘warriors do cry’. Our personal favourite mentor is Grandmaster Shifu. He teaches his students to treat each other with respect. He even ran a race with his injured and sick students, and that wins hearts. When a woman on her periods kept running, Shifu assisted her throughout.