Moonwalk movie review: This tribute to Michael Jackson is yet another example of why Malayalam cinema soars while Bollywood struggles

Indian Express

a day ago

Moonwalk movie review: Just imagine how cool it would have been if Varun Dhawan's character had appeared on screen carrying a ripe, juicy jackfruit on his head, heading home after burning up the dance floor in the climax of director Remo D'Souza's ABCD 2 (2015) or Street Dancer 3D (2020). You know, a jackfruit that could also be used to cook different dishes and would feed his character's entire impoverished family for a day or two. And since he's too poor to afford an autorickshaw or any other transport, he has no choice but to carry it on his head. The instance sounds relatable, right? Because this is something that has already happened or could happen in our lives at any moment. But, unfortunately, Bollywood films no longer offer this kind of relatability. Not just Varun, it's almost impossible to imagine any of the mainstream Hindi actors doing a role that requires them to perform such an ordinary action on screen, simply because it lacks the 'glitz and glam'.
In the resolution of debutant filmmaker Vinod AK's Moonwalk, however, we see Sura (an impressive Sibi Kuttappan), in his signature Michael Jackson getup, happily carrying a jackfruit on his head and a plastic bag in one hand, walking home proudly after setting the a breakdance competition stage afire just a few days earlier with his extraordinary performance. It's also the unhesitating way in which filmmakers envision and execute such mundane, relatable scenes that make Malayalam cinema what it is today. And maybe, just maybe, a lesson Bollywood could learn from instead of dropping fresh stink bombs every week.
At the same time, Moonwalk also serves as a reminder to prioritise theme, concept, story and script over the male lead's (almost nonexistent) star value. Although most members of the film's ensemble are newcomers — and some readers might feel that comparing them to established actors like Varun Dhawan is unfair — two points are worth highlighting here: these Bollywood stars didn't take on such characters even early on in their careers, and more importantly, director Vinod AK deliberately chose to prioritise his narrative over star power. He didn't even attempt to cast familiar faces or so-called stars who might have given the film broader reach, but would have un/knowingly compromised its soul by making the movie only about them. He trusted the script he co-authored with Mathew Varghis and Sunil Gopalakrishnan.
Moonwalk's story is simple and straightforward. Set in 1987, it follows a group of late-teenage friends in Thiruvananthapuram whose lives are forever changed when they stumble upon the electrifying art of breakdance and its most iconic figure, Michael Jackson. Aspiring to become exceptional dancers, they begin practising with dedication. Although some personal dramas unfold, the gang, who call themselves the Moonwalkers, navigate these challenges and continue to push forward, defying the many limitations life has placed on them, particularly poverty.
One of the most self-aware Malayalam films in recent times, Moonwalk doesn't try to be anything it's not. It is the result of Vinod AK's absolute conviction and trust in the material he has. Right from the beginning, he makes it clear that he isn't going to follow the typical Indian dance-drama narrative template and sets the tone of Moonwalk with precision and clarity. Despite the film being under two hours long, Vinod takes his time to establish the characters, their personalities and their surroundings, without rushing into anything. One of the best aspects is that the filmmakers don't try to oversell any of the characters or their circumstances. Almost all members of the Moonwalkers are given equal prominence, with just a few standing out as first among equals.
Even as the story progresses, Moonwalk avoids unnecessary detours and senseless subplots. All the side stories, including a few romantic tracks, only add to the film's appeal, thanks to the magnificent way they've been handled. Despite the large ensemble cast, it never feels like Vinod and his team have overlooked certain characters or given undue prominence to others. The script ensures that every character has a proper identity and arc.
Unlike certain 'tribute' films that repeatedly evoke the name or image of the honouree to capitalise on their legacy, Moonwalk makes no such attempts. In fact, Michael Jackson's name is rarely mentioned, and there are only a few direct references to him. Instead, the filmmakers keep MJ's spirit alive by showing the kids gradually mastering his moves, letting his influence subtly permeate the film.
Even the dramatic and romantic elements scattered throughout the movie are thoughtfully and maturely handled, with nothing feeling absurd or amateurish. While the film focuses heavily on dance and the group's unity, Vinod ensures that the characters don't come across as people without other purposes or interests. They have families, love interests and ambitions. But that doesn't mean dance is merely a hobby for them; nor is it the air they breathe. It's simply what they love the most.
Sabu Mohan's art direction, Ansar Shah's cinematography, and the editing by Deepu Joseph and Kiran Das deserve just as much praise as Vinod AK's direction. Sabu has not only convincingly recreated a bygone era but also avoided relying on clichéd props to establish the period. Instead, he adopts a more organic approach, supported beautifully by Dhanya Balakrishnan's exceptional work in costume design and the makeup by Saji Koratty and Santhosh Venpakal.
Departing from the dance-dramas' typical visual style, where complex movements are often highlighted with rapid cuts, Ansar, Deepu and Kiran focus instead on showcasing the team spirit. To do this, the group dance sequences are mostly filmed using medium long shots, which helps establish their unity as a team. It also allows the audience to clearly map the group's progression from initially below-average skills to truly impressive performances by the end.
Vinod's vision as a filmmaker becomes even more pronounced through the visual language he has employed and the subtle visual storytelling devices he used. Early in the film, we see the kids, who later come to be known as the Moonwalkers, mesmerised by the already established dance troupe, the Zoom Boys. In their first encounter, the Zoom Boys' team leader asks one of the boys for a light to ignite his cigarette. Arun (Sujith Prabhakar) offers his own cigarette, already half-smoked. Towards the end of the film, the tables turn. The Moonwalkers have become more prominent than the Zoom Boys, and in a mirrored moment, Jake (an extraordinary Anunath) asks the same Zoom Boys leader for a light. This time, the leader hands over his own half-smoked cigarette, in a subtle yet powerful visual metaphor.
In another instance, when Sudheep (Premshankar S) decides to leave the Moonwalkers, he removes his white shoe and gives it to Sura, taking Sura's old chappal in exchange. Having only worn chappals his entire life, this is a moment of elation for Sura. At the same time, it beautifully illustrates how one person makes way for another, delicately and effectively conveyed through visuals alone.
Amid all this, Moonwalk does not dissociate itself from its socio-political environment, unlike most mainstream films. At several points, the filmmakers insert moments that highlight how everyday casteism and classism operate, and how difficult it is for people like Sura and Anikkuttan (Appu Ashari) to rise above these obstacles and pursue their passion.
The film also sheds light on the police's tendency to crush young dreams. In the Moonwalkers' case, this happens when the police forcibly cut off their long-grown hair bluntly, not giving two hoots about the hard work they put into it, and thus breaking their spirit. However, they rise again and push forward, underscoring that such systemic oppressions can never extinguish the spirit of art.
Prashant Pillai's music and Sreejit P Dazzlers' choreography are the soul of Moonwalk, consistently hitting the mark. Among the performers, Rishi Kainikkara and Siddharth also leave a strong impression.
Moonwalk movie cast: Anunath, Rishi Kainikkara, Siddharth B, Sujith Prabhakar
Moonwalk movie director: Vinod AK
Moonwalk movie rating: 3.5 stars
Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at [e-mail]. ... Read More