Girl power

Overcoming a string of difficulties, from India's rainy season to the language barrier, the movie manages to blend cultural and geographical characteristics of the two countries, as well as demonstrating the distinctive architecture and scenery representing southern China, says Liu Jing, the Chinese director who co-helms the movie with Varma.

Also a huge fan of Lee, Liu describes the late icon as his "spiritual mentor" giving him strength and confidence while facing huge odds.

Aside from the lightning kicks, hits and punches, Lee's profound understanding of kung fu, with its roots taken from ancient Chinese philosophy, has also captivated generations of fans.

"Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless－like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot," Lee once explained about the core of Jeet Kune Do (the Way of the Intercepting Fist), a martial arts style created by him. The words are cited from Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee, a book penned by his daughter, Shannon Lee.

"The stunts of Jeet Kune Do, as a tribute to Bruce Lee, is one of the top draws in the film," says Liu. "It is shown in the movie how to 'be like water'."

Describing the movie as "the first time a martial arts film has been made with a woman as a protagonist and fighting in the Bruce Lee style" in India, director Varma recalls his vision.

"Ever since I saw Enter the Dragon, I have always wanted to make a martial arts film based on my theoretical study of Bruce Lee's style and his philosophy. And since it's going to be almost impossible to find a male protagonist to fit the role, I decided to cast a female, which, in turn, led me to Bhalekar," he says.