Moonwalk movie review: Sibi Kuttappan, Anunath’s gang ride the wave to kill it on the breakdance floor

Moonwalk plot: A breakdance performance during a temple festival piques the interest of a bunch of ordinary lads in a small Kerala town, who then decide to hit the dance floor. Their journey to learn, master and absolutely killing it is what Moonwalk is all about.

Moonwalk review: After Naslen and co packed a solid yet hilarious punch in Alappuzha Gymkhana earlier this year, it is time for Sibi Kuttappan, Anunath and Manoj to set fire to the dance floors. The premise is simple, but the performance and execution are simply superb.

Filmmaker AK Vinod sets up the movie impressively, taking us to the small town of Thumba on the outskirts of Kerala's capital city. The mood and vibe are properly in sync with the pronounced Thironantharam slang, uniting people across religions and communities. We even get references to Rahman, the OG dance icon from the 80s Malayalam cinema.

Vinod, who has also co-written the script with Mathew Varghese, has taken inspiration from real-life experiences from the breakdance culture and that reflects in the relatable characters we get on screen. Whether it is Shaji (Manoj), Jake (Anunath) or Shibu (Siddarth), they perfectly fit into the shoes of youngsters who wake up to their passion and follow it with all the zest.

The first hour breezes through as the pre-degree students (not plus two, remember it’s the 80s) learn the wave, popping and other breakdance steps without a proper master. They name their group Moonwalkers, after the dance step immortalised by Michael Jackson.

The funky hairstyles and the single dangling earring, as they attempt to look like their icon, all too appear as the lads introduce the dance forms to their friends and families too. 

The film does not veer off from its course and stays in line, even when we get short glimpses of their family narratives and the love interests that leave you with a smile. Though we get concerned parents, we do not get overdramatised scenes or escalated emotions for the sake of it.

Even amid all this, the makers ensured that the character and story arcs are given the due regard, and do not get lost in the dance mayhem. The film too shines light on the class differences and the worth of a gleaming pair of white shoes, not just for Sura but for his entire family, who sit down on the floor for their meals.

Also read: Moonwalk on OTT: Why you should watch Malayalam cinema’s tribute to Michael Jackson 

The retro-style film really picks up speed in the last 30 minutes and ends with a flourish that will have you up on your feet as well. The finale dance is just pure gold, high on emotions with the brilliant dance moves to match it.

Prashant Pillai's vibrant music elevates the overall cinematic experience. The wave song, especially, stands out and is also picturised well. Ansar Shah's frames also perfectly capture the essence of the coastal town and the jazz of the dance floor. Dhanya Balakrishnan also deserves a shoutout for giving the right attire to the teenagers, without going overboard to stamp the 80s vibe.

Acclaimed filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, who has presented Moonwalk, should also be lauded for backing stories that need to be told. 

Moonwalk verdict: Led by the spirited Sibi Kuttappan, Anunath, Manoj and the rest of the gang, director Vinod AK’s film remains entertaining and engaging from start to finish. Even if you are not an avid fan of breakdance or dance in general, Moonwalk is definitely worth your attention for its honest tale and lively performances.

Moonwalk is streaming on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium from May 8, 2025