Bheeshma Parvam, the exhilarating mafia-centric narrative graced by the charismatic Mammootty and directed by the visionary Amal Neerad, has gained a stellar reputation that transcends the licensing of its protagonist’s magnetic aura. This cinematic endeavor not only boasted the enigmatic presence of Mammootty but also highlighted the pulsating rhythm and resounding impact of Sushin Shyam’s immersive musical compositions. With a distinctive edge in choreography, the film welcomed widespread acclaim for its dance sequences orchestrated by the talented duo Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas. Operating under the creative hub of their dance studio, Myself and My Moves in Thrissur, Kerala, Sumesh and Jishnudas are once again seizing the spotlight with their fresh creations for another Amal Neerad masterpiece, Bougainvillea, poised for a theatrical release on October 17.
The dance track ‘Sthuthi,’ a promotional song for Bougainvillea, has seized social media by storm, quickly amassing upward of 2.5 million views. Featured alongside actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi, the song is lifted by the vocal performances of Sushin Shyam and Mary Ann Alexander, with lyrics penned by Vinayak Sasikumar, who is also credited with the lyrical contributions in Bheeshma Parvam.
Jyothirmayi, known for her dance-centric roles, brings a blend of vivacity and allure to ‘Sthuthi,’ marking her debut in Amal’s recent productions. Past audiences might recall her dynamic performances in Meesha Madhavan’s ‘Chingamaasam’ and the captivating ‘Osama’ from Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded. Her current performance has garnered commendations for its panache, with Sumesh describing her approach as both innovative and stylish, while Jishnudas expresses the surprise and delight of collaborating with her unexpectedly.
Embracing a melange of dance styles, ‘Sthuthi’ incorporates elements of hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro styles to craft a dance experience that aligns with its dark, atmospheric tone. Sumesh explains that although the song deviates from traditional fast-paced tempos, its choreography masterfully integrates rapid footwork, garnering positive acclaim. Prior to filming, the choreographers conducted an intensive 10-day rehearsal session to finesse the routine to perfection.
In the spotlight of ‘Sthuthi’ is Kunchacko Boban, a beloved dancer whose skillful enactment of the choreography is a visual delight. Sumesh elucidates, “Kunchacko has always been our favorite. After our journey with Bheeshma Parvam, we engaged with him in another project.
. Although the song never made the final cut, the experience was invaluable.” Encouraged by Amal Neerad’s promise for future collaboration with Kunchacko and themselves, ‘Sthuthi’ serves as an apex of that creative synergy.
Amal Neerad’s passion for dance is often reflected in his directorial vision, and his proactive engagement with Sumesh and Jishnu was no exception. His enthusiasm and support culminated in a choreographic execution that amplified the talents of both Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi.
The process of choreographing ‘Sthuthi’ was not without its challenges. Jishnudas recounts the initial difficulty of translating the solemn lyricism of phrases such as ‘Karthavinu sthuthi’ (Amen to the Lord) into kinetic motion. However, under Amal’s exceptional direction, innovative and extraordinary choreography emerged, synchronized to the tempo of the music. Remarkably, Kunchacko Boban participated in the rehearsals and filming despite a hand injury, a testament to his dedication and professionalism.
Collaborating with a familiar crew from Bheeshma Parvam, including Amal, Sushin, Vinayak, and cinematographer Anend C Chandran, provided a comfortable and creative environment for Sumesh and Jishnudas. Their longstanding friendship from school laid the foundation for a thriving partnership via their dance studio, founded in 2016 as a community for budding dancers. Among the performers in ‘Sthuthi’ are 16 dancers from their studio, supported by five assistants, collaborating to bring the spirited routine to life.
Their studio’s YouTube channel, Myself and My Moves, showcases their dynamic evolving choreography, through which they initially caught Amal Neerad’s attention. This recognition catapulted them into the film industry starting with songs for Bheeshma Parvam, and subsequently enriching their filmography with works like Paltu Janwar and Oru Thekkan Thallu Case.
While Sumesh and Jishnudas continue to balance studio commitments with their film projects, Jishnudas’s exceptional work was acknowledged with a Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his contribution to Sulaikha Manzil. The duo remains tight-lipped about a forthcoming dance-centric film, signaling a thrilling new phase for these choreographers whose footprints in Indian cinema are both profound and far-reaching.
