The Malayalam film ‘Moonwalk’ puts back the spotlight on the Breakdance Troop of Kerala
Moonwalk, a new Malayalam film that is inspired by real -life breakdenser in Thiruvananthapuram, reflects Kerala’s 1980s street dance culture again. The film traveled to footlosser troupe and its founder Babu Master, who celebrates his flexibility, effect and permanent passion for dance.
In short
- Moonwalk investigated Kerala’s forgotten breakdance scene
- Footlozers of Thiruvananthapuram inspired by dance troupe
- Santosh Kumar alias Babu Master established the group in the 1980s
The newly released Malayalam film Moonwalk has once again put Kerala’s 1980s breakdance culture back into the limelight. Inspired by the state’s early real -life dance troupe, footlozers, real -life, film bring to a recognized dance group to a recognized dance group to screen.
Directed by Vinod Ek, the Moonwalk attracted heavily from the early days of footlozers, established by Santosh Kumar – known as Babu Master. “I wanted to be a fighter in films. I was very attracted to stunt scenes in films. You know that superstar Jayan was my uncle,” Babu misses the master.
Jayan, considered the first action hero of Malayalam cinema, was a cultural icon – and its influence was clearly rubbed on her nephew. But for Babu, an attraction with stunts eventually developed into something else. “Tamil and Telugu films used to have some dance moves songs. That is what later attracted my attention. Over time, we had better dance sequences in films. Since I trained in martial arts, I caught it quickly,” he said.
In 1986, Babu and his friends – Padmakumar, Praveen, Ajit, Rias and his brother Sajesh Kumar – formed a dance troupe called Crimers while living in Arts College. By 1988, he had changed himself to footlozers and started performing there wherever he could find a platform. “Seeing our dedication, a kind of soul in Arts College offered us a platform and 500 rupees. It was a big amount. Then there were no stages or events,” Babu remembered.
The group is quickly known not only for their dance moves but also for their style, which affects local fashion trends. They were always performing-even in the event of an opportunity, they were carrying a cassette in their pockets.
The origin of composer AR Rahman and dancer-actress Prabhu Devta marked a turn. Babu said, “We got songs and performances like Mukkala Mukkabala, Hamma Humma etc.
Footlosters choreographer and trainer Vipin, who joined the congregation in 2004, said the film’s release has long attracted attention. “I joined footlozers in 2004. It was Babu Master, who started handing me over to teams to do choreography and those who personally know us, especially our students knew our students that the film was based on our life. I have never done anything other than dance in life. Today there is a happy feeling to see many people to talk about this dance group,” He said.
Footlozers have choreographed for about 65 films in decades. The Moonwalk was initially conceived as a documentary, but the director chose to make it fictional for a broad appeal. Since its release, the team says that old friends and former members are joining again. Babu said, “One of our videos has now gone viral. Many are appreciating us today and this is only because we never gave up on our passion.”
Manufactured by Listin Stephen and Lizo Jose Pelicary, Moonwalk has many new people and is now streaming on Gehotstar.
