A tale of Michael Jackson fans: Lijo Jose Pellissery to present filmmaker Vinod AK's 'Moonwalk'

It has been a little over five years since debutant filmmaker Vinod AK announced a dance-centric film about Michael Jackson fans in Thiruvananthapuram during the 80s and 90s. However, he has been unable to get it released owing to various factors, until now.

On Saturday, he revealed that maverick Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery is now part of the project alongside noted producer Listin Stephen. The film's new posters come with 'Lijo Jose Pellissery Presents' above the title.

Sharing the update, the makers wrote: "Lijo Jose Pellissery joins hands with Listin Stephen to bring MOONWALK to the big screens this May! Directed by advertising filmmaker Vinod A.K., MOONWALK introduces over a hundred new faces, transporting you to the vibrant late 80s — when breakdance fever and the Michael Jackson craze swept across a generation. Packed with energy, dreams, and nostalgia."

In an interview with The New Indian Express in 2020, Vinod described Moonwalk as a "very raw" film that's about "persistently holding on to your passion amidst all odds," while adding that the team “tried to give a sense of the atmosphere and the economic situation at that time."

For the characters, Vinod sought inspiration from past experiences and memories of visits to areas in Thiruvananthapuram like Puthenthope and Kazhakoottam, with a cast of mostly newcomers selected through auditions.

In a video statement, Lijo Jose Pellissery said he found the film quite impressive and worth attaching his name to since he has always championed first-time filmmakers with an original and unique voice and filmmaking expression. Echoing his sentiments, Listin Stephen added that Lijo's involvement was one of the reasons why he decided to be a co-producer (with Jasni Ahamad).

Ansar Shah (Ishq, Jo and Jo) is the director of photography and Prashant Pillai is the music composer. Deepu Joseph and Kiran Das handled the editing, while Renganaath Ravee, who has worked on several of Lijo's films, is the sound designer.

The makers have shared that they expect to release the film in theatres sometime in May 2025.

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