Moonwalk

“Moonwalk” is an upcoming Malayalam feature directed by Vinod A. K. that stars Anunath, Rishi Kainikkara, Siddharth B., Sujith Prabhakar and Arjun Manilal. Set against the backdrop of the late 1980s, and based on true events, the story tracks a group of preteens from a dusty Indian backwater who immerse themselves in the worldwide Michael Jackson.

In a time before the rapid spread of influence that the internet and all the rest of that digital mess now provides, these kids were enchanted by Michael Jackson’s electrifying dance moves, most famously his moonwalk and breakdancing style. With nothing but passion and ambition to show the world it was wrong, they unite with a burning desire to create and perfect their breakdancing moves, plunging headfirst into this new world of rebellion and self-expression. Their story became more than a dance journey, it became a story of friendship, of dreams, of the cultural impact that bridged borders, awakening a generation in the heart of India.

Filming for Moonwalk was completed in late 2020, with post-production starting the following year. Even after announcing a teaser in 2020, the movie went through many ups and downs with delays in shooting due to Covid and rejection from 4 OTT platforms that pushed its release. Fast-forward to 2025, award-winning filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery and producer Listin Stephen decided to release the film in theatres, ensuring a bigger audience for this smoky and fuzzy homage to the late 80s pachakkal youth subculture.

“Moonwalk” is as much about that spirit of the late 80s as it is a tale of aspiration. It is a passion-fueled love letter to Michael Jackson that ignited a small-town crew of young’uns. Nostalgia is an essential element of the film. It doesn’t get in the way of friendships, cultural appreciation, and the love for dance that the movie and era encapsulate. Overall though, despite its rocky release route, the performances and genuine representation of youth culture make Moonwalk a delightful and heartwarming film for fans from back in the day and first-time watchers alike.