Bheeshma Parvam, a compelling mafia narrative led by the iconic Mammootty and crafted by director Amal Neerad, captured audiences not just through the lead actor’s undeniable charisma and presence but also through its dynamic choreography. Apart from the cinematic allure provided by Sushin Shyam’s music and the engaging background score, this film also set the stage for choreographers Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas to showcase their vibrant dance routines that took the internet by storm. The enterprising duo, who own the dance studio Myself and My Moves in Thrissur, Kerala, has reignited their momentum in the spotlight with Neerad’s latest venture, Bougainvillea, slated for a theatrical release on October 17.
The promo song ‘Sthuthi’ from Bougainvillea continues to trend across social media platforms, amassing over 2.5 million views. This musical piece, performed by the film’s composer Sushin Shyam alongside Mary Ann Alexander, has lyrics penned by Vinayak Sasikumar, a familiar name to those who enjoyed the musical compositions in Bheeshma Parvam. Jyothirmayi, Amal Neerad’s partner, brings her own flair to the dance floor with performances rooted in her past successes, from the energetic ‘Chingamaasam’ in Meesha Madhavan to the unforgettable ‘Osama’ in Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded. Her appearance and performance in ‘Sthuthi’ have not gone unnoticed, drawing admiration from audiences and insiders alike. “She has embraced a new style with confidence,” Sumesh remarks enthusiastically. Jishnudas adds, “Having her included in the lineup was an unexpected delight.”
Their intricate choreography fuses styles such as hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro dance, creating a seamless fit with the track’s shadowy undertones. Despite not being the briskest of tracks, their utilization of rapid footwork has been lauded, as Sumesh details. The team committed to a rigorous 10-day rehearsal period in preparation for the shoot.
Adding his own flair to the choreography, Kunchacko Boban, a dancer revered for his fluid movements, makes ‘Sthuthi’ even more captivating.
. Sumesh recounts how, following their collaboration on Bheeshma Parvam, they were entrusted by Amal Neerad with the promise of new work. This collaboration, involving Kunchacko Boban and Neerad, was an opportunity revisited more than a year later through ‘Sthuthi’. Amal’s deep appreciation and keen eye for dance allowed him to provide insightful references and trust in the choreographic direction crafted by Sumesh and Jishnudas, facilitating Chackochan and Jyothirmayi to execute the moves with precision.
Faced with unique lyrical themes such as ‘Karthavinu sthuthi’ (Amen to the Lord), Jishnudas explains that the process of choreographing required innovative thinking, something Amal Neerad encouraged. The dance style, though intricate, aligns elegantly with the song’s tempo. Even during the filming of ‘Sthuthi’, Kunchacko Boban, despite a hand injury, delivered a performance that was both resilient and animated.
Seamless collaboration with the team retained from Bheeshma Parvam – including Amal, Sushin, Vinayak, and cinematographer Anend C Chandran – created an environment where Sumesh and Jishnudas thrived creatively. Having shared a friendship since school days, the duo has nurtured their studio Myself and My Moves since its inception in 2016. “Our community spirit is integral; 16 of our dancers were part of this song,” Sumesh shares, emphasizing collaborative achievements that have defined their journey. Their studio’s YouTube channel has been a foundational platform, presenting dance videos that first caught Amal Neerad’s attention, earning them a spot on Bheeshma Parvam with celebrated tracks like ‘Parudeesa’ and ‘Rathipushpam’.
Films such as Paltu Janwar, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, Anchakkakkollan, Anuragam, and Malayalee from India, all chronicle Sumesh and Jishnudas’s choreographic influence, with Jishnudas often leading solo, especially given their commitments to the studio. Their dedication is underscored by Jishnudas’s accolade – the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography, awarded for his exceptional work on Sulaikha Manzil. Amid their current success, they continue to extend their creative prowess to future projects, including a dance-centered film whose details remain under wraps for now.
In this era where dance becomes a bridge connecting cinema to its audience, choreographers like Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas are pivotal in translating music into visual narratives that resonate globally – a testament to their relentless creativity and dedication.
