The Heartbeat of Ananthapuri: Moonwalk Shines a Light on Forgotten Kerala Villages
At a time when most films highlight the bustling cities of Kerala, Moonwalk turns the spotlight toward the lesser-seen villages of Thiruvananthapuram, particularly Kazhakkoottam, capturing a lifestyle that has slowly faded away. Releasing on May 30, this Malayalam drama marks the cinematic debut of ad filmmaker Vinod A.K. and offers a refreshing portrayal of rural life in the 80s. Unlike the usual urban tales, Moonwalk is grounded in a setting where time moved slower, friendships ran deeper, and community life thrived without the noise of modern distractions.
The film lovingly reconstructs the scenery of village lanes, close-knit neighborhoods, and evenings filled with music and shared stories. Vinod’s personal memories serve as the foundation for the screenplay, co-written by Mathew Varghees and Sunil Gopalakrishnan. It’s not just a film—it’s a living memory of a place where children danced in courtyards, tape recorders blared Michael Jackson, and every neighbor felt like family. This setting adds unmatched soul and texture to the story.
With visuals captured by Ansar Shah, art direction by Sabu Mohan, and editing handled by Deepu Joseph and Kiran Das, Moonwalk is both visually rich and emotionally resonant. Produced by Listin Stephen and Jasni Ahamad, and presented by Lijo Jose Pellisserry, the film doesn’t just aim to entertain—it aims to preserve. For those who’ve lived these village stories or long to discover them, Moonwalk offers a rare cinematic invitation to the heart of Ananthapuri, where life was simpler and far more meaningful.
