Vinod AK Interview: Moonwalk & Real-Life Inspiration
Journey back to the electrifying 1980s breakdancing scene in India with director Vinod AK’s debut film, “Moonwalk.” Witness how the breakdancing craze and the iconic Michael Jackson moonwalk swept through Thiruvananthapuram, influencing young lives. This film, drawing inspiration from Vinod’s own experiences, features newcomers Anunath, Sujith, and Rishi Kainikara, bringing authenticity to the screen. Discover how the film evolved from a documentary concept, overcoming challenges like copyright issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, with support from Lijo Jose Pellissery. Explore the real-life stories that shaped the narrative. Learn how the project overcame setbacks to become a reality. News Directory 3 is proud to feature the inside story of this film.Discover what’s next for “Moonwalk.”
‘Moonwalk’ film revisits breakdancing craze in India
Updated June 8, 2025
director Vinod AK’s debut film, “Moonwalk,” journeys back to the late ’80s when breakdancing, Michael Jackson, and the moonwalk captivated India. the film centers on young men in Thiruvananthapuram whose lives revolved around this dance style as they navigated personal challenges.
Vinod’s inspiration stems from his student days. He recalled the excitement surrounding breakdancing, fueled by stars like Kamal Haasan and mithun Chakraborthy. He was amazed seeing it performed live and regularly attended shows with friends,some even joining the performers onstage.
He mentioned popular local breakdance groups such as Footloosers, Spindles, and Boomers, noting their influence thru their style and attitude. Over time, these groups disbanded.
The documentary idea evolved into “Moonwalk.” Vinod and Jomith Johny filmed dancers across Kerala, but copyright issues and the documentary’s length prevented its release. They then reworked the footage into a feature film script, co-written with Mathew Varghis and Sunil Gopalakrishnan.
Vinod said “Moonwalk” incorporates real-life experiences of several dancers, altered due to their sensitive nature. Production faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with filming occurring in stages from 2020 to 2024.
Initially, financial backers withdrew due to uncertainty, but director Lijo Jose Pellissery stepped in to support the project, along with producers Listin Stephen and Jasnin Ahamed. Prashant Pillai,the film’s composer,played a crucial role in connecting Vinod with Pellissery.
The cast features young actors, including anunath (as Jake), Sujith (as Arun), and Rishi Kainikara (as Varun). Vinod initially sought actors from Thiruvananthapuram for dialect accuracy, but ultimately cast talent from across Kerala. Sreejith Dazzlers, a choreographer familiar with Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi styles, trained the actors.
Vinod noted that in the ’80s, dancers learned from each other, resulting in an amateur style that the film aimed to capture in early scenes.
The “Moonwalk” team involved veteran breakdancers in pre-release promotions, recognizing their importance to the film’s narrative.
Finding suitable locations in Thiruvananthapuram that reflected the late ’80s proved challenging. Composer Prashant Pillai’s involvement was key to the film’s atmosphere. Vinod had worked with Pillai on commercials and appreciated his unique musical approach.
Copyright restrictions prevented the use of original Michael Jackson songs and footage. The team worked around this, such as in a scene where a “Thriller” DVD malfunctions. Vinod expressed regret over not being able to include Jackson’s music and moves, which he felt woudl have enhanced the film.
What’s next
“Moonwalk” is now in theaters.