Bheeshma Parvam, an engaging mafia tale led by the celebrated actor Mammootty under the direction of Amal Neerad, captivated audiences with more than just the lead’s charisma and magnetic screen presence. While Sushin Shyam’s compelling music and background score set the tone, the spotlight also centered around the innovative dance choreography by Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas. This dynamic duo, orchestrating dance flows from their studio ‘Myself and My Moves’ based in Thrissur, Kerala, has yet again stepped into the spotlight with their creative brilliance in another Amal Neerad project, ‘Bougainvillea,’ set to grace theaters on October 17.
The choreographers, Sumesh and Jishnudas, have achieved digital fame with the promo song ‘Sthuthi’, filmed on actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi. This track is currently a social media sensation, amassing over 2.5 million views. The song is voiced by composer Sushin Shyam and Mary Ann Alexander, with lyrics penned by Vinayak Sasikumar, a talent also responsible for the lyrical works in Bheeshma Parvam.
Bringing a unique allure to the track is Jyothirmayi, Amal Neerad’s partner, who is no stranger to the dance floor. Known for her vibrant performances in tracks like ‘Chingamaasam’ from Meesha Madhavan and the enticing ‘Osama’ from Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded, her appearance in ‘Sthuthi’ has earned commendable praise. “Jyothirmayi has ventured into new territory and executed it with finesse,” notes Sumesh. Jishnu expresses his surprise and excitement at working with her, sharing that they were not expecting her participation.
In creating the choreography for ‘Sthuthi’, the duo employed a fusion of dance styles, including hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro. They crafted these styles to match the dark thematic tones of the song, pushing the envelope with fast-paced footwork even though the track isn’t a conventional upbeat number. During the 10-day rehearsal period leading up to the shoot, these quick and intricate dance movements earned considerable appreciation, as Sumesh expounds.
Kunchacko Boban exemplifies why he is considered an exceptional dancer. Reflecting on their collaboration, Sumesh recounts, “He has always been our favorite dancer to work with. After Bheeshma Parvam, although we created a piece for another film featuring him, it wasn’t included in the final cut.
. Yet, Amal ettan, a visionary director, had plans to unite us with Chackochan [Kunchacko Boban] once more, culminating in ‘Sthuthi’ over a year later.”
The choreographers reveal that revered director Amal Neerad is an ardent dance enthusiast who actively follows trending dance videos. He provided them with valuable references, offering carte blanche on the choreography delivered to Kunchacko and Jyothirmayi. Composer Sushin Shyam also participates in ‘Sthuthi’, enriching the on-screen dance atmosphere with his unique presence.
Jishnu shares insights into their creative process, stating that decoding the melody and lyrics was initially challenging. “When faced with phrases like ‘Karthavinu sthuthi’ (Amen to the Lord), conceptualizing the dance was arduous. However, with Amal’s directorship, out-of-the-box thinking is necessary. We adapted the pace of our movements to suit the song’s rhythm, ensuring that the vigor remained intact. Kunchacko Boban found the experience novel, rehearsing and ultimately executing the song despite having a hand injury,” Jishnu elaborates.
Drawing familiarity and comfort from previously working with Amal and the same esteemed team from Bheeshma Parvam, including Sushin and lyricist Vinayak, the choreographers found themselves at ease during the production of Bougainvillea. Sumesh and Jishnu, friends since schooldays, have nurtured ‘Myself and My Moves’, established as a dance community in 2016. Dancers from their studio were key performers in ‘Sthuthi’: sixteen dancers were featured, with five offering crucial assistance during the choreography development.
Their artistic journey continues to flourish, with their impressive filmography boasting titles like Paltu Janwar, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, Anchakkakkollan, Anuragam, and Malayalee from India. Each film reflects their commitment and adaptability, some directed by Jishnu solo due to the studio’s demanding schedule. Jishnu’s talent has not gone unrecognized, as showcased by his win for the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for his work in Sulaikha Manzil. Meanwhile, their efforts currently converge on an undisclosed dance-centric movie that promises to further highlight their expertise.
Published: October 02, 2024, 03:44 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
