Video game adaptations have grown in popularity in the 2020s after the success of films such as A Minecraft Movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Resident Evil, and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Now, Capcom’s popular hand-to-hand combat game franchise Street Fighter is heading to the big screen.
The action-and-martial-arts film is scheduled for international release on October 16, with a same-day release planned at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh.
Following the 1994 film starring Kylie Minogue and Jean-Claude Van Damme, the new adaptation will introduce the franchise to audiences in a fresh way.
Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji are among the cast members, while Jason Momoa will portray the green-skinned fighter Blanka. Kitao Sakurai, known for directing Bad Trip and The Eric Andre Show, is at the helm. His involvement has raised expectations of a film that blends surreal elements with humour.
Sakurai has said he was given the freedom to pursue his own style rather than follow the conventional formula of video game adaptations.
Based on the popular video game series, Street Fighter brings together martial arts, powerful fighters, rivalries and a conspiracy with global implications.
One of the franchise’s major attractions is its roster of familiar characters brought to life on screen, including Ryu and Chun-Li.
The story is set in 1993. Ryu and Ken Masters, once close martial arts partners, have grown apart. Their paths cross again when the mysterious Chun-Li draws them back into the fighting world.
They must compete in the dangerous World Warrior Tournament, where the stakes go beyond demonstrating strength. A deadly conspiracy lies behind the competition.
As they face formidable opponents, Ryu and Ken must also confront their troubled past, personal differences, and the circumstances that have driven them apart.
The film blends their complicated relationship with the tournament’s tension and tries to translate the video game’s signature fighting moves into live-action sequences.
Realistic martial arts action is expected to be one of the film’s main attractions. Karate, kung fu, high-speed kicks and punches feature alongside attempts to recreate the game’s iconic attacks.
A diverse lineup of fighters, including Ryu, Ken, Blanka, Dhalsim, Guile and Akuma, brings different fighting styles to the story.
The filmmakers also aim to evoke the atmosphere of 1990s arcade games through colorful visuals and nostalgic references, blending the franchise’s retro appeal with contemporary cinematic action.
Several factors have fuelled interest in the film ahead of its release. Fans are eager to see familiar characters and their signature moves on the big screen, while the cast includes well-known names such as Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo and Roman Reigns.
Another notable draw for South Asian audiences is Indian action star Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim, one of the best-known characters in the Street Fighter franchise.
Known for his distinctive abilities and association with yoga, Dhalsim is a familiar figure to fans of the games.
Jammwal’s portrayal will likely draw particular attention from audiences eager to see the Indian actor bring the character’s fighting style to a Hollywood production.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk
