In the vibrant world of cinema where swaying emotions and dynamic storytelling often find their full expression through music and dance, choreographers Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas have carved a niche for themselves with their electrifying dance sequences. Renowned for creating hypnotic dance moves that resonate with audiences, the duo has once again captured the limelight with their impeccable choreography in the eagerly awaited movie, ‘Bougainvillea,’ directed by the celebrated Amal Neerad. Scheduled for release on October 17, the movie is already generating waves of excitement, thanks in part to the viral promo song ‘Sthuthi’.
A snippet of the duo’s blossoming fame can be traced back to their collaboration on the film ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, a gripping mafia narrative led by the legendary Mammootty. The film not only demonstrated Mammootty’s charismatic presence but also showcased the magic of Sumesh and Jishnudas’ choreography, which transformed Sushin Shyam’s music into a visual spectacle. In ‘Bougainvillea’, they elevate this craft further, enriching Sushin Shyam’s compositions with dance that blends different styles, including hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro, creating a fusion that captivates the senses and complements the song’s dark undertones.
At the heart of the buzz surrounding ‘Bougainvillea’ is ‘Sthuthi’, a promo song that beautifully intertwines rhythm with visual artistry. The song, featuring the popular actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi, has taken social media by storm, amassing over 2.5 million views—a testament to its widespread appeal and addictive beat. The lyricist Vinayak Sasikumar, who also penned songs for ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, lends his poetic touch to ‘Sthuthi’, aligning lyrical artistry with choreographic excellence.
Interestingly, Jyothirmayi, whose vibrant performance in the song has been praised for its innovation and flair, is no stranger to dance, having enthralled audiences before with numbers such as ‘Chingamaasam’ and ‘Osama’. Her seamless adaptation to new styles under the guidance of Sumesh and Jishnudas has been notably remarkable. Sumesh expresses his admiration for her dedication, while Jishnu reveals the unexpected joy and excitement they felt upon learning she was one of the artistes they’d choreograph.
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Their creative process for ‘Sthuthi’ involved a meticulous 10-day rehearsal schedule, a period where creativity met structured practice. According to Sumesh, the challenge lay in making the fast footwork resonate with the song’s pace without losing the energy integral to its theme. The final result was a choreography that was both innovative and invigorating, described by actor Kunchacko Boban as a unique experience—which, many fans would argue, is precisely what the duo’s art appears to achieve: offering freshness to the familiar.
The partnership between longstanding friends, Sumesh and Jishnudas, takes root in their dance studio, Myself and My Moves, based in Thrissur, Kerala. Founded as a dance community in 2016, the studio has nurtured dancers who shine in their own right—a notable contribution to the performance of ‘Sthuthi’. Dancers from their studio not only perform but also assist in the creative journey, marking the studio as a breeding ground for new talent ready to embrace the world of cinematic dance.
Following their successful contribution to ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, where they choreographed hits like ‘Parudeesa’ and ‘Rathipushpam’, their collaboration with Amal Neerad continues to flourish. The director, noted for his eye for dance, collaborates closely with Sumesh and Jishnudas, a relationship based on creativity and mutual respect—each party valuing the other’s input equally, creating cinema that entertains and inspires.
Their filmography includes works such as ‘Paltu Janwar’, ‘Oru Thekkan Thallu Case’, and others—projects where either one or both have stamped their artistic signature. Notably, Jishnudas was honored with the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his work in ‘Sulaikha Manzil’, reinforcing their prominence in the industry.
As anticipation builds for ‘Bougainvillea’, the choreographers remain tight-lipped about future projects, merely hinting at involvement in an upcoming dance-centric movie. Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas are setting the stage alight, one rhythmic step at a time.
