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Start the week with a film: In ‘Moonwalk', Michael Jackson comes to Kerala
Moonwalk is the latest Malayalam film to invite you on a stroll with its characters. Vinod AK's movie has its share of energetic scenes (the theme is dancing, after all), but what lingers are the moments of camaraderie, the small touches, the observational humour. In a small town in Kerala in the 1980s, a group of teenagers falls in love – with Michael Jackson and his breakdancing. When they watch the dance troupe Zoom Boys perform at a local event, they are smitten with the fluid moves, the manner in which limbs bend at will and most of all, the moonwalking. The young men set out to become moonwalkers themselves. They grow out their hair and practise hard. Their studies suffer. Some of them have disapproving parents. At least two members of the group are older, and from a lower class and caste, which invites scorn. There is time for love too, this time of the human kind. Adoring looks and big smiles are exchanged between boys and girls who find ways to be free from social restrictions. Moonwalk was released in Kerala earlier this year and is now being streamed on JioHotstar. Written by Vinod AK, Mathew Varghese and Sunil Gopalakrishnan, the film isn't as well put together as, say, Manjummel Boys or Alappuzha Gymkhana. There's a randomness to the sequences, and an irksome habit of cutting away from the dance routines, especially in the extended climax. But Moonwalk has its modest pleasures too. The acting is as beautiful as the dancing. The film evokes nostalgia for analogue technology (cassette tapes, video cassettes, Walkmans) and 1980s fashion (mullets abound). Composer Prashant Pillai cleverly finds ways to compensate for the inability to use any of Michael Jackson's music by coming up with his own synth-heavy songs. There are cute moments at the tailor and the hairdresser, who effortlessly adapt to the new craze. The 116-minute movie doesn't try to be ground-breaking. Rather, Moonwalk is a sweet slice-of-life story about an American phenomenon entering the consciousness of a faraway place and transforming it. In paying tribute to Michael Jackson, the movie's dancers find themselves too – a point Moonwalk makes in its own minor way. Play
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Choreographer Sreejith P: I am grateful, happy and proud about ‘Moonwalk'
When Moonwalk released in theatres, the most emotional of the film's crew at the first day, first show, was Sreejith P, the choreographer of the movie. 'Even though I had watched the final product, sitting there with the audience reminded me of the hard work and struggle that went into making it. I could not hold back my tears,' says the 53-year-old, also known as Sreejith P Dazzlers, as he runs the dance studio, Dazzlers, in Kochi. The film, he says, is special for him on many counts. Directed by ad filmmaker Vinod AK, it tells the stories of a few youngsters in Thiruvananthapuram of the late '80s in love with breakdance and how they overcome obstacles to pursue their passion. The narrative is inspired by the real-life stories of many breakdancers of yesteryear from across Kerala, one of them being Sreejith himself. 'I entered the field at a time when the dance scene in Kerala was on the cusp of change. Breakdance was nearing its sunset years, and cinematic dance moves were taking over. I could learn both, and that helped while working in the movie,' says Sreejith, who hails from Tripunithura near Kochi. Sreejith adds that he had once planned to make a movie on breakdance. 'I faced many difficulties to learn breakdance and wanted to tell that story through a movie. But back then I was not confident enough to make one. So when Vinod discussed the subject with me, I was excited to be part of it. We had worked on a few advertisements by then. He wanted to know my experiences, which I shared with him. I was happy that he was the one doing it because he has been a pathbreaker in the advertising industry. I knew that he could bring out the best in the artistes.' Moonwalk, he says, was no easy assignment. The actors, all new faces, despite being good dancers, were not familiar with the breakdance era. 'The narrative is such that these characters have only basic information about the style and know only a few moves, like mirror effect, arm wave, rope move, popping etc. It was difficult to mount a movie on just these steps. So I designed it in such a way that they gradually master the style and their skill peaks at the climax. That had to be done without making it boring.' The first step was making them develop the physique and the body control of a breaker. 'After training them to be proficient for the climax, we went to the beginning where they had to dance like beginners. It was difficult to show this variation.' Sreejith's introduction to breakdance happened when he was in Class 10, when he spent his vacation at a relative's house at Thoppumpady in Kochi. 'When I watched a duo performing it at a church festival I immediately fell in love with the music, the steps, the costumes etc. I met the dancer backstage, picked up some moves from him and showed off these steps in school.' He remembers the struggles behind choreographing a routine then. 'The first task was to find the cassette because I knew only the tune and not the lyrics. I went to music shops and sang the tune so that they recognised the song. Finally I found the cassette I was looking for. The bigger problem was getting hold of a tape recorder. So I pleaded with my family and even went on hunger strike until I got one. That was the level of craze I had for breakdance.' Later he trained in breakdance at Cochin Kalabhavan, the centre for learning performing arts in Kochi, under Johnson Master. 'I also attended a course by Attakkalari in Bengaluru, which inspired me to think of creating concept-based movements.' Moonwalk is set in Thiruvananthapuram, which had a breakdance style different from that of Kochi. Even then Sreejith was chosen as choreographer because he is familiar with Thiruvananthapuram style as well. 'The Kochi style was high on energy with heavy, power-packed moves, and elements of rock n' roll and disco, whereas in Thiruvananthapuram it was more stylish with focus on body postures and perfection. They had more knowledge as well, thanks to the reference material they had, that is video cassettes. Also, while Kochi dancers danced in flashy, glittery costumes, those of Thiruvananthapuram kept it formal.' He had picked up Thiruvananthapuram style from Footloosers, the pioneering breakdance academy in the State. 'We were fans of the vibe they created by blending dance and acrobatics. On Friday evenings, a group of us from Kochi would head to Thiruvananthapuram on our bikes. We practiced at Footloosers' studio or at Shanghumugham beach and returned on Sunday evening.' Fact file After making his debut in Malayalam cinema with Cinema Company (2012), Sreejith won the Kerala State Award for Best Choreography for Jo and the Boy (2015). He has choreographed for over 50 movies in Malayalam. He worked with AR Rahman on the video of the song 'Hope' from Aadujeevitham last year. Besides Dazzlers, Sreejith runs Boho Space in Tripunithura, a place meant for performance artistes who are looking for a space to work on their art. It is here that he work on his new thematic productions. Moonwalk has rejuvenated the breakdance community in Kerala, he feels. 'They saw themselves in the characters. We dancers have a special connection with our shoes. I still remember how happy I was when I saw a white Action shoe for the first time. Sura (Sibi Kuttappan), a character in the movie, feels immense joy when he gets such a shoe. While watching that scene at the theatre, we dancers looked at each other.' The film, he says, will remain a cherished chapter of his career. 'I am grateful, happy and proud. Back then we did not have many stages to perform. We were regulars at houses where weddings took place. That was where even non-dancers used to shake a leg. They also could relate to the movie.' Sreejith adds that the breakdance era has not ended. 'Many dancers disappeared from the scene and took up jobs forced by their circumstances. When these dancers were celebrated during the release of Moonwalk, the general tone was that there is no future for the style. But this will survive just like how theatre stood tall amidst the onslaught of several other forms of entertainment.' Sreejith says as a choreographer he is on an experimental journey at his venture, Boho Space. 'The attempt is to arrive at new concepts and movements. I am working on a project involving Virtual Reality. There is another production on the 'use and throw' concept, which, unfortunately, has seeped into relationships as well. I also plan to develop packages for those are emotionally stressed as dance relaxes you, makes you happy.' Meanwhile, he has also plans to direct a movie. 'Now I have gained confidence to approach the craft. So I might give a try in future.' Moonwalk is streaming on JioHotstar.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Moonwalk review: A feel-good retro dance drama
Rating: 3.75/5 Director Vinod AK's Moonwalk delivers a heartwarming and high-energy cinematic ride, led by a lively young cast including Sibi Kuttappan, Anunath, Manoj, and Siddarth. Set in the 1980s, the film captures the spirit of youthful rebellion, friendship, and dreams against the backdrop of breakdance fever. The story kicks off in Thumba, a quaint coastal town near Kerala's capital, where a group of average boys find themselves mesmerised by a breakdance performance during a temple festival. What begins as fascination soon turns into passion as they take it upon themselves to learn the art—without a formal trainer. Their journey unfolds as they form a group named 'Moonwalkers,' in tribute to their icon, Michael Jackson. Vinod AK, along with co-writer Mathew Varghese, draws from real-life anecdotes from Kerala's breakdance scene. The characters—Shaji, Jake, and Shibu—are etched with authenticity, and their camaraderie lights up the screen. Their quirky hairstyles, dangly earrings, and unfiltered enthusiasm breathe life into the nostalgia-rich narrative. The film never loses focus, even when it explores subplots involving love interests or family dynamics. These elements are kept minimal and natural, avoiding melodrama. In one standout moment, the story subtly touches on class inequality through a touching scene involving a humble family's pride over a pair of white dance shoes. The last 30 minutes are a riot of colour, music, and emotion. The grand dance finale, charged with feeling and slick choreography, ends the film on a high note. Prashant Pillai's music and Ansar Shah's cinematography perfectly capture both the retro flair and emotional depth. Costume designer Dhanya Balakrishnan nails the 80s vibe with flair and subtlety. Presented by Lijo Jose Pellissery, Moonwalk is not just a dance film—it's a tribute to chasing dreams. Even if you aren't a dance enthusiast, this film's heart and humour make it a thoroughly engaging watch.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Malayalam movie ‘Moonwalk' puts spotlight back on Kerala's breakdance troupe
The newly released Malayalam film Moonwalk has once again put Kerala's 1980s breakdance culture back in the limelight. Inspired by the state's earliest real-life dance troupe, the Footloosers, real-life, the film brings to screen their journey from backstreet performers to a recognised dance by Vinod AK, Moonwalk draws heavily from the early days of the Footloosers, founded by Santhosh Kumar — better known as Babu Master. 'I wanted to be a fighter in movies. I was so attracted to the stunt scenes in movies. You know superstar Jayan was my uncle,' Babu Master considered Malayalam cinema's first action hero, was a cultural icon — and his influence clearly rubbed off on his nephew. But for Babu, a fascination with stunts eventually evolved into something else. 'The Tamil and Telugu movies used to have songs featuring some dance moves. That's what later caught my attention. With time, we had better dance sequences in films. Since I had trained in martial arts, I caught it quickly,' he said. In 1986, Babu and his friends — Padmakumar, Praveen, Ajith, Riyas, and his brother Sajeesh Kumar — formed a dance troupe called Crimmers while in arts college. By 1988, they had renamed themselves the Footloosers and began performing wherever they could find a stage. 'Seeing our dedication, one kind soul at arts college offered us a stage and Rs 500. It was a huge amount back then. Not many stages or events were there,' Babu group quickly became known not just for their dance moves but also for their style, influencing local fashion trends. They were always performance-ready — even carrying cassettes in their pockets in case an opportunity rise of composer AR Rahman and dancer-actor Prabhu Deva marked a turning point. 'We got songs and performances like Mukkala Mukkabala, Hamma Humma etc. We started making theme-based choreography with a story in it which I think people enjoyed more,' said choreographer and trainer Vipin, who joined the troupe in 2004, said the film's release has brought long-overdue attention. 'I joined Footloosers in 2004. It was Babu master who started assigning me teams to do choreography for and those who know us personally, especially our students, knew that the movie was based on our lives. I have never done anything else in life other than dancing. To see many people talking about this dance group today is such a happy feeling,' he has choreographed for around 65 films over the decades. Moonwalk was initially envisioned as a documentary, but the director chose to fictionalise it for broader appeal. Since its release, the team says old friends and former members have been reconnecting. 'A video of ours has gone viral now. Many are appreciating us today and it is only because we never gave up on our passion,' Babu by Listin Stephen and Lijo Jose Pellissery, Moonwalk features many newcomers and is now streaming on JioHotstar.- EndsMust Watch
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From Kuberaa to Narivetta to Mr & Mrs Bachelor: Check out latest OTT releases on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar
Get ready for a July filled with exciting OTT releases. Dhanush stars in 'Kuberaa' on Prime Video. Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu feature in 'Narivetta' on SonyLIV. Aha Video streams the psychological thriller 'Saaree'. Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema present the nostalgic 'Moonwalk'. SunNXT brings 'Karki'. Netflix offers '8 Vasantalu'. Lionsgate Play has 'Mr. Rani'. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kuberaa (Streaming from July 18 on Prime Video) Narivetta (Streaming from July 11 on SonyLIV) Saaree (Streaming on Aha Video) Moonwalk (Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Karki (Streaming on SunNXT) 8 Vasantalu (Streaming on Netflix) Mr. Rani (Streaming from July 11 on Lionsgate Play) Mr & Mrs Bachelor (Streaming from July 11 on Manorama Max) If you're looking for fresh, binge-worthy content this July, the OTT universe has answered. From a high-stakes manhunt led by Dhanush to a psychological obsession unraveled by Ram Gopal Varma, this month's lineup spans genres, languages, and emotional tones. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers, political dramas, nostalgic journeys, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of seven upcoming OTT releases that promise to shake up your a roaring box office run, Kuberaa is set to explode onto Prime Video. Dhanush leads the charge in this intense action-thriller directed by Sekhar Kammula. He plays Deva Kallam, a humble wanderer caught in a ruthless corporate conspiracy driven by a disgraced CBI officer (Jim Sarbh) and a powerful business tycoon. Rashmika Mandanna and Nagarjuna add star power and depth. With dubbed versions in five languages and a gripping storyline that dives into the dark corners of Mumbai's underworld, Kuberaa promises edge-of-your-seat Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu, Narivetta boldly unpacks state-sponsored oppression of the marginalised while balancing sharp political critique with mainstream appeal. Set in Kerala, the film blends investigative grit with commercial flair, making it both a socially relevant watch and an entertaining psychological thrillers are your thing, Saaree is one to watch. Directed by Giri Krishna Kamal and written by Ram Gopal Varma, the story follows a man whose romantic curiosity about a mysterious woman in a saree turns into a dangerous obsession. With an eerie premise and unsettling tone, this one's perfect for fans of mind-bending back into the 1980s with Moonwalk, a nostalgic tribute to youth, dreams, and Michael Jackson's iconic dance moves. Set in Kerala, this feel-good drama follows a group of young dancers who find purpose and identity through rhythm. It's heartfelt, inspiring, and drenched in retro vibes.A Kannada adaptation of Pa Ranjith's critically acclaimed Pariyerum Perumal, Karki tackles caste, education, and resistance. It tells the powerful story of a law student whose bond with an upper-caste classmate draws brutal backlash. With a socially charged narrative and emotional depth, it's a must-watch for fans of issue-based Telugu coming-of-age story centres on a 17-year-old girl who is equally skilled in poetry and martial arts. As she navigates heartbreak, family expectations, and personal growth, 8 Vasantalu paints a rich portrait of adolescence and identity, offering both tenderness and strength in its Rani delivers quirky comedy with a twist. When aspiring actor Raja is forced to impersonate a woman to chase his Bollywood dreams, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. This offbeat Kannada film promises hearty laughs with a dash of social this Malayalam drama, Anaswara Rajan plays Stephy, a bride who flees her wedding only to cross paths with an older bachelor played by Indrajith Sukumaran. What follows is a charming story of unlikely companionship, identity, and unexpected turns.
