In the world of cinema dancing, choreographers Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas are no strangers to viral success. Known for their compelling work in the movie Bheeshma Parvam, where they captivated audiences with their inventive choreography, the duo is set to dazzle once more in the upcoming release of Amal Neerad’s Bougainvillea. Having gained significant notoriety for their previous collaboration with the director, they are ready to create waves again as the film hits theatres on October 17.
The promotional song ‘Sthuthi’ has already found its way into the hearts of audiences, becoming a social media sensation with over 2.5 million views. The song, performed by Sushin Shyam and Mary Ann Alexander, with lyrics by Vinayak Sasikumar, who also penned songs for Bheeshma Parvam, is quickly becoming a pop culture icon.
Jyothirmayi, who stars in the promo alongside Kunchacko Boban, showcases her well-recognized dancing skills. The actress, who made memorable performances with hits such as ‘Chingamaasam’ from Meesha Madhavan and ‘Osama’ from Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded, portrays a new and invigorated persona in ‘Sthuthi.’ “She’s tried something completely fresh and pulled it off with exceptional panache,” enthuses Sumesh. “We were thrilled to have her on board,” adds Jishnu. The song itself weaves together a tapestry of hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro styles, set to match its dark, mesmerizing aura.
The choreography for ‘Sthuthi’ required meticulous planning, culminating in a rigorous 10-day rehearsal schedule. Sumesh elaborates, “It’s not your everyday fast-paced song, but we incorporated quick footwork which has garnered a lot of praise.” The duo worked tirelessly along with the film’s team to bring this vision to life, having developed a tight-knit working relationship with Neerad from previous projects.
Kunchacko Boban’s dynamic dancing skills are stunningly highlighted in ‘Sthuthi,’ drawing considerable admiration from fans and critics alike. “Kunchacko has always been a favorite,” shares Sumesh.
. Initially working on a song with him for another film that unfortunately didn’t make it to the final cut, the choreographers remained grateful to Amal Neerad for facilitating their collaboration. “After getting ‘Sthuthi,’ a more than a year later, it brought everything full circle,” reflects Sumesh.
Discussing the creative journey behind ‘Sthuthi,’ Jishnu shares insights into the challenges they faced. “Translating the song’s message into movement was initially daunting. The lyrics posed a unique challenge, pushing us to think beyond conventional limits,” he remarks. The final product, he notes, involved tiny, fast-paced steps brimming with energy, choreographed with precision to match the song’s rhythm. Despite a hand injury, Kunchacko ensured he was part of each rehearsal, demonstrating the level of dedication shared by all involved.
Collaborating with friends and seasoned members of the industry, such as Sushin, Vinayak, and cinematographer Anend C Chandran, provided the choreographers with a comfort and rhythm that translated into a seamless and gratifying shooting experience.
Since its inception, Sumesh and Jishnu’s dance studio “Myself and My Moves,” based in Thrissur, has become a hub of creativity—starting as a close-knit dance community in 2016 before evolving into a full-fledged studio. “Our dancers were featured in ‘Sthuthi,’” Sumesh reveals, with sixteen dancers performing while five lent their support in other capacities. Their popular YouTube channel showcases various dance videos, one of which captured the attention of Amal Neerad, leading to an initial collaboration opportunity with Bheeshma Parvam.
Sumesh and Jishnu’s burgeoning filmography includes titles like Paltu Janwar, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, Anchakkakkollan, Anuragam, and Malayalee from India, with some movies being choreographed by Jishnu independently to accommodate studio commitments. Recently, Jishnu received the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his work in Sulaikha Manzil. As they continue to build their reputation, they have turned their focus towards an intriguing dance-oriented project, though details remain closely guarded.
With the release of Bougainvillea imminent, audiences await with bated breath to witness the choreographers’ latest work, which promises to continue their streak of viral success and bring even more acclaim to their thriving careers.
