While Mammootty’s commanding presence and Amal Neerad’s storytelling were the highlight of the 2022 hit film Bheeshma Parvam, there was another element that captured viewers’ attention: the dynamic dance choreography by Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas. These talented choreographers, who helm the dance studio Myself and My Moves in Thrissur, Kerala, have once again captivated audiences with their recent work in Amal Neerad’s upcoming project, Bougainvillea. The film is set to hit theaters on October 17, and anticipation is building around the vibrant choreography featured in the film’s promo song, ‘Sthuthi’.
The vibrant and energetic number ‘Sthuthi’ is already making waves on social media, having racked up over 2.5 million views. Sung by Sushin Shyam, who also provided the musical score, and Mary Ann Alexander, the song features the lyrical work of Vinayak Sasikumar, continuing the successful creative collaboration that began with Bheeshma Parvam. The song pairs the dance expertise of actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi, both of whom add their unique flair to the choreography’s diverse mix of hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro styles.
Jyothirmayi, known for her past dance performances in Malayalam cinema, delivers a standout performance in ‘Sthuthi’. Sumesh applauds her effort, noting that she has successfully experimented with new styles while showcasing an impressive range of emotions and dynamics. Jishnudas adds that Jyothirmayi was not initially expected to be part of the project, making her involvement an exciting addition for the team. Their choreography for ‘Sthuthi’ required a meticulous fusion of styles to match the dark and sultry tone of the song, which also blends sublime footwork executed at a brisk pace.
For Kunchacko Boban, ‘Sthuthi’ marks another triumphant entry in his accomplished dance repertoire. Both Sumesh and Jishnudas express admiration for his dedication, recounting how they were thrilled to reunite with him after their previous attempt to include choreography in another film was cut during editing. Amal Neerad, a self-professed dance enthusiast, warmly facilitated this collaboration by involving the choreographers early in the song’s development.
. The director’s passion for dance inspired an atmosphere of creativity and innovation, helping the duo craft a stellar performance from Boban and Jyothirmayi.
Choreographing ‘Sthuthi’ posed a unique challenge for Sumesh and Jishnudas, particularly with its distinct lyrical demands and its need for extraordinary visual interpretation. The line “Karthavinu sthuthi” (‘Amen to the Lord’), for example, prompted the choreographers to think outside the box and create movements that would resonate with the music’s tempo and energy. The decision to incorporate miniature, fast-paced steps ensured that the dance maintained its intensity and momentum, much to the delight of the actors involved.
With Amal Neerad consistently supporting innovative collaborations, the duo credits their longstanding working relationship with him and the rest of the film’s creative team, including music composer Sushin Shyam, lyricist Vinayak Sasikumar, and cinematographer Anend C Chandran, for a smooth shoot. The camaraderie on set was palpable, further reinforcing their belief that teamwork enhances every aspect of production.
Myself and My Moves, the dance studio founded by Sumesh and Jishnudas, began as a community space in Thrissur in 2016. It has since grown into a creative powerhouse, with numerous dancers from the studio participating in the ‘Sthuthi’ project. Sixteen dancers from the studio performed in the song, supported by an additional five who assisted in choreography, demonstrating the vast talent cultivated by Sumesh and Jishnudas. Their YouTube channel, also named Myself and My Moves, serves as a testament to their ongoing contributions to the dance community, having garnered significant attention from filmmakers such as Amal Neerad.
Outside of Bougainvillea, the duo’s impressive filmography includes works like Paltu Janwar, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, and several other regional films. Notably, Jishnudas independently choreographed award-winning pieces, earning him the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his work in Sulaikha Manzil. With future projects already in the pipeline, spectrum-spanning dance enthusiasts can look forward to even more striking performances by Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas as they continue to infuse their creative spirit into Kerala’s vibrant cinematic landscape.
