#SHOWBIZ: Irfan Zaini: I took 38 'bashings' to perfect a scene
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's own Kollywood star Irfan Zaini said that his role as gangster Malik in the action movie Blood Brothers: Bara Naga was his most "painful" to date.
The 30-year-old actor said in a news report yesterday that he was "hit" 38 times, including by a falling cupboard, as director Syafiq Yusof wanted to create perfect action scenes.
"It was really painful, I suffered bloody injuries and bruises, so did most of us who played the gangsters.
"A weapon drew blood from my face and a cupboard fell on me, breaking on impact," said Irfan, adding that he felt great despite the "batterings and bruisings" in the 38 takes.
Irfan said that his character Malik was the "playboy" amongst the titular gangsters or Blood Brothers, who provided comic relief to the story together with Syazwan Zulkifly who played the bumbling detective Jaki.
"I've been in the film industry for six years now, and I've never endured as much pain as in this movie. Nevertheless, I welcome it as it makes me a memorable action hero," said Irfan who has gained a larger fan following since appearing in the movie.
Irfan said that he had no martial arts experience prior to Blood Brothers and "struggled" while undergoing martial arts training for five months to prepare for his role.
Irfan became a household name after starring in the Indian Tamil movie GOAT alongside Vijay Thalapathy last year.
Directed by Syafiq and Abhilash Chandra, Blood Brothers which premiered in cinemas nationwide on April 10 also stars Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahaya, Syazwan Zulkifly, Zamarul Hisham, Wan Hanafi Su, Amelia Henderson and Tracie Sinidol.
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