Read the complete review of Moonwalk (2025) – a Malayalam experimental film directed by debutant Vinod A. K. and produced by Lijo Jose Pellissery. Check out the BMR Rating, story highlights, performances, and verdict.
🎥 Introduction
Moonwalk (2025) marks the directorial debut of Vinod A. K., under the strong creative and production guidance of Lijo Jose Pellissery, Listin Stephen, and Jasni Ahmed. Backed by Amen Movie Monastery, Magic Frames, and Firewood Shows, the film dares to challenge conventional Malayalam cinema norms. With an ensemble cast including Anunath, Rishi Kainikkara, Siddharth B., Sujith Prabhakar, and Arjun Manilal, Moonwalk is a surreal, experimental film that seeks to reflect the human psyche, dreams, and the blurred line between reality and illusion.
📖 Story Summary (No Spoilers)
Set in an undefined, dreamlike urban landscape, Moonwalk revolves around five individuals whose lives intersect through mysterious, metaphysical events. Their journeys unfold across fragmented timelines, symbol-laden interactions, and a narrative that dances—much like its title—between the conscious and subconscious. The story does not follow a linear path; instead, it immerses viewers into a cerebral and emotional maze that demands attention and interpretation.
Moonwalk is less about plot and more about experience. Each character’s emotional depth is revealed not through dialogue-heavy exposition but through abstract visuals and psychological tension. Expect symbolism, cryptic dialogues, and sequences that challenge your perception of time, space, and identity.
👥 Performances
- Anunath shines with a deeply internal performance, showcasing vulnerability and emotional fragmentation.
- Rishi Kainikkara delivers a haunting portrayal, especially in the film’s more surreal segments.
- Siddharth B. adds gravitas with a grounded, mature presence.
- Sujith Prabhakar and Arjun Manilal provide compelling support, especially in moments that require emotional restraint and quiet intensity.
This ensemble is clearly handpicked for their ability to act with their eyes, silence, and body language—crucial tools for a film where traditional scripting takes a back seat.
🎬 Direction & Writing
Vinod A. K.’s debut is audacious. This is not a film made for mass entertainment—it’s a filmmaker’s personal vision brought to life with near-obsessive attention to visual detail and atmosphere. The script, co-written by Mathew Varghese and Sunil Gopalakrishnan, is layered, elliptical, and open to interpretation. Viewers are not spoon-fed emotions or explanations but are invited to be active participants in decoding the story.
🎞️ Technical Excellence
- Cinematography by Ansar Shah is poetic and philosophical. Wide shots, close-ups with intense chiaroscuro, and motionless frames are used to create an immersive dream world.
- Editing by Deepu Joseph and Kiran Das complements the film’s rhythm perfectly. The cuts are intentional, creating a disorienting yet immersive flow.
- Music by Prashant Pillai is evocative and experimental. Instead of traditional background scores, it uses ambient sounds and eerie silences to evoke emotion and tension.
🎯 Highlights
✅ Experimental narrative structure
✅ Artistic cinematography
✅ Psychological depth
✅ Brilliant performances
✅ Evocative sound design
⚠️ Drawbacks
❌ Not for mainstream audiences – requires patience and openness
❌ Lack of traditional story arcs may leave some viewers disconnected
❌ Rewatch value depends on individual taste for art cinema
🎭 Themes Explored
Moonwalk explores:
- Identity and fragmentation
- Time as a subjective experience
- Urban isolation and existential angst
- The subconscious mind and altered realities
It’s a film that will be discussed in film schools, critics’ panels, and cinephile circles for years to come.
📝 Final Verdict
Moonwalk (2025) is not just a film—it’s a cinematic experiment that challenges your senses and intellect. Vinod A. K. establishes himself as a promising auteur in Indian cinema with a bold debut that refuses to conform. With masterful backing from visionaries like Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is a fine example of Malayalam cinema’s evolving artistic boundaries.
If you’re someone who enjoys films like Synecdoche, New York, Persona, or The Mirror, Moonwalk is a must-watch.
🌟 Best Movie Review (BMR) Rating:
8.5/10
A hypnotic, haunting experience that rewards the curious and the patient.
📅 Release & Availability
Moonwalk released theatrically in Kerala on 30 May 2025. Keep an eye out for its OTT release, which is expected to be announced soon.