Bheeshma Parvam, a stylish mafia thriller featuring the legendary Mammootty and directed by the acclaimed Amal Neerad, captivated audiences not only with its compelling narrative and Mammootty’s indomitable screen presence but also with its unforgettable music and dance sequences. The film marked a significant milestone in the lives of choreographers Sumesh Sundar and Jishnudas, whose creative prowess brought life to the viral dance moves, beautifully intertwined with Sushin Shyam’s music and background score. Hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, Sumesh and Jishnudas run their own dance studio, Myself and My Moves. The dynamic duo has once again captured the spotlight with their electrifying choreography for Amal Neerad’s new film, Bougainvillea, set to make its theatrical debut on October 17.
The release of ‘Sthuthi’, the promo song from Bougainvillea, has taken the internet by storm. With its vibrant energy and catchy beats, the song, picturized on talented actors Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi, has garnered over 2.5 million views, and the numbers are steadily climbing. The melody, sung by Sushin Shyam and Mary Ann Alexander and penned by Vinayak Sasikumar, has become a social media sensation. Vinayak, who had also penned songs for Bheeshma Parvam, has once again weaved lyrics that resonate with the audience.
Jyothirmayi, partner to filmmaker Amal Neerad, adds her own unique flair to ‘Sthuthi’. Known for her earlier energetic performances in hits such as ‘Chingamaasam’ from Meesha Madhavan and a sensuous role in ‘Osama’ from Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded, she once again proves her mettle with her stylish presence in ‘Sthuthi’. “Jyothirmayi has ventured into new territory with ‘Sthuthi’, and her performance exudes confidence and style,” notes Sumesh Sundar. Jishnudas concurs, stating, “Working with Jyothirmayi was an unexpected and thrilling experience. Her zest elevated the choreography to unforeseen heights.”
The dance choreography for ‘Sthuthi’ uniquely blends elements of hip-hop, house, whacking, and Afro styles, forming a seamless tapestry of energetic movement that matches the song’s brooding intensity. “We aimed to integrate fast footwork to complement the track’s dark and edgy vibe,” explains Sumesh. The commitment and dedication to the craft were evident, with a ten-day rehearsal period preceding the shoot, ensuring the complex choreography was executed flawlessly.
Kunchacko Boban, known for his incredible dancing skills, is a visual delight in ‘Sthuthi’. Sumesh and Jishnudas shared their admiration for the actor.
. “Kunchacko Boban has always been a favorite of ours. After collaborating on Bheeshma Parvam, we had another project with him, but unfortunately, the dance track was excluded from the film post-production,” Sumesh recounts. The call from Amal Neerad, a year after, to work on ‘Sthuthi’ was a welcome surprise and testament to their previous successful collaboration.
According to the duo, Amal Neerad is passionate about dance, keeping close tabs on the latest trends and viral sensations. His input was invaluable during the choreography process, providing them with references and ultimately allowing them creative freedom to innovate further. “Amal watched some dance videos for inspiration and was thrilled with the interpretations we devised,” Sumesh recalls.
The journey towards perfecting ‘Sthuthi’ took a creative turn when Jishnudas and Sumesh delved into the lyrics, especially phrases like ‘Karthavinu sthuthi’ (Amen to the Lord), which posed an artistic challenge. “Amal Neerad encourages thinking outside conventional boundaries, prompting us to craft choreography that was both fresh and engaging,” Jishnudas states. Their meticulous attention to detail was a testament to their artistry, as they embodied the song’s pace and energy through minute yet rapid movements. Kunchacko Boban’s openness to new experiences was on display as he immersed himself in rehearsals, even pushing through with a hand injury during the filming of the song.
Sharing the same creative team from Bheeshma Parvam, including Sushin Shyam, Vinayak Sasikumar, and cinematographer Anend C Chandran, created a comfortable and collaborative environment for Sumesh and Jishnudas on set. Friendship and a deep-rooted history bind the choreographers, as they have known each other since their school days. Their studio, Myself and My Moves, which began as a dance community in 2016, continues to be a nurturing ground for talent. No less than sixteen dancers from their studio were featured in ‘Sthuthi’, with five others serving as assistants, showcasing the duo’s commitment to fostering a vibrant dance culture.
Sumesh and Jishnudas’s burgeoning filmography includes notable projects such as Paltu Janwar, Oru Thekkan Thallu Case, and Malayalee from India, with Jishnudas occasionally stepping into solo choreography roles. Balancing studio commitments and film projects can be challenging, but the duo continues to maintain a diverse and dynamic career. Furthermore, Jishnudas’s recent accolade, receiving the Kerala State Film Award for Choreography for Sulaikha Manzil, is a testament to his exceptional talents.
The future remains exciting for Sumesh and Jishnudas as they continue work on a yet-to-be-revealed dance-centric film, signaling the duo’s ongoing evolution and creativity in the world of dance and cinema.
