The cinematic world of South India is abuzz once again with the anticipation of Amal Neerad’s latest directorial venture, ‘Bougainvillea’. The film, fronted by the celebrated actor Mammootty, is all set for a grand theatrical release on October 17. However, as the curtains are raised, it’s not just the veteran actor’s strong on-screen persona that has captured the attention of audiences. The spotlight is equally shared by choreographers Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas, known for their dynamic and viral dance sequences, who are returning to mesmerize with their artistic flair yet again.
The dance maestros, who helm the popular dance hub Myself and My Moves in Thrissur, Kerala, first gained fame with their captivating choreography in the film ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, another Amal Neerad masterpiece. Their creative dance routines paired with the moody compositions of Sushin Shyam played a significant role in the film’s success, becoming a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. This time, they are back with ‘Sthuthi’, a promo number from ‘Bougainvillea’ that is already breaking records and grabbing eyeballs across social media platforms with over 2.5 million views to date and counting.
The intoxicating beats of ‘Sthuthi’ are further enhanced by the melodious voices of Sushin Shyam and Mary Ann Alexander, with lyrics penned by the talented Vinayak Sasikumar. The song showcases an electrifying performance by actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi. Jyothirmayi, who has previously made waves with her dancing, delivers yet another stellar performance, exuding charisma and freshness that fans and critics are applauding. “Her approach to the dance was both innovative and stylish, making the sequence a visual treat,” Sumesh Sundar comments. Jishnudas adds, “We were pleasantly surprised when we found out she would be part of this project. Collaborating with her brought a unique energy to the choreography.”
Bringing together elements from hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro dance styles, the choreographers have created a sequence that complements the dark and intense tone of the song. “We integrated fast footwork to match the song’s energy without making it a typical fast-paced number,” explains Sumesh. The tandem effort required a rigorous 10-day rehearsal schedule before the camera rolled.
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The radiant performance by Kunchacko Boban, an actor often celebrated for his dance skills, adds another layer of excitement to the piece. Reflecting on their collaboration, Sumesh states, “Working with Kunchacko has always been a rewarding experience. After ‘Bheeshma Parvam’, we were unable to feature him in another project due to unfortunate cuts, but Amal Neerad made sure this collaboration happened. When he approached us for ‘Sthuthi’, it was the fulfillment of a promise he made to us.”
Amal Neerad’s passion for dance is well recognized among peers and fans. “He’s someone who keenly follows the latest dance trends and shares his insights, which makes it thrilling to work with him. He entrusted us completely with the task of bringing Chackochan (Kunchacko Boban) and Jyothi ma’am into sync with our choreography,” Jishnudas remarks.
As the filming commenced, the team was ecstatic about the results. “Crafting choreography that compliments lyrics like ‘Karthavinu sthuthi’ (Praises to the Lord) was challenging but invigorating. Amal wanted something distinctive, and that pushed us to experiment with subtle yet quick movements,” shares Jishnudas. His diligence and creative prowess have also been recognized through accolades such as the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his contribution to the film ‘Sulaikha Manzil’.
The thriving world of dance that Sumesh and Jishnudas have fostered through their studio in Thrissur is reflected in their on-screen work. Boasting a strong community since 2016, the studio continues to be a breeding ground for talent, with several dancers from there appearing in ‘Sthuthi’. “Sixteen dancers from our studio performed, and five others supported as choreographic assistants,” says Sumesh, proudly acknowledging the team’s efforts.
As they expand their filmography with titles like ‘Paltu Janwar’, ‘Oru Thekkan Thallu Case’, and ‘Anuragam’, both Sumesh and Jishnudas remain committed to their true passion—nurturing talent and creativity through dance. As anticipation builds for ‘Bougainvillea’, the duo is already onto their next project, shrouded in secrecy but certainly worth the wait for dance enthusiasts eagerly awaiting their next big move.
