#SHOWBIZ: Aziz M. Osman's modern take on Ramlee screen classic
VETERAN, award-winning filmmaker Aziz M. Osman is now delivering a new cinematic experience with '6 Jilake', which has hit over 100 local cinemas beginning on April 24.
This action-comedy, inspired by the King of Entertainment Tan Sri P. Ramlee's '6 Jahanam', is not a remake but a fresh take on a cult classic and is aimed at familiarising the Ramlee movie among today's audiences.
The film is produced by Eartistic Sdn Bhd and set in 18th century Perak. The story revolves around a Dutch mercenary spy's attempt to seize a secret gold mine in Kampung Ketayap.
COWBOYS
At the recent preview of his new movie, Aziz said: "The movie '6 Jilake' wasis inspired by those old cowboy movies where a group of outlaws want to take over a small town or village.
"The residents are tormented, and unite to hire a brave, young warrior to defend their home and dignity."
Aziz added that the film's title was his playful twist on '6 Jahanam' and reflected his modern approach in the form of contemporary slang.
"This, coupled with subtle and humourous tributes to timeless issues facing society, is my way of getting Malaysian viewers of today to enjoy traditional martial arts, learn about Perak's history, and also get acquainted with one of Ramlee's gems," he said.
STELLAR
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Amerul Affendi, Bell Ngasri, Saiful Apek, Kazar Saisi, Asmidar, Kamarool Yusof, Laura Olivia, Wan Gegau, Wan Raja, Mamak Puteh, Jalil Hamid, Myza Rafika, Adam John, Amy Nur Tinie, TJ Isa, Datuk Remy Ishak, Datin Maria Farida, Ayda Jebat, David Teo, Datuk Fauziah Nawi, Abon and Amen Khalid.
Aziz described his cast list as a strategic one with emphasis on popular actors who are crowd-pullers.
"We need actors who can attract audiences to the cinema. Apek, Bell and Amerul are hugely popular talents who have become household names," he said.
"Each character has a fair share of screen time and development, and that means ample opportunity for them to provide performances that pack a punch."
MAGICAL
The film's producer Dr Nur Shasa Ain Abdul Aziz said: "Many of us have grown up with Aziz's magical touch in filmmaking which is always out of the box.
"Never one to take short cuts, he went all out to recreate an 18th century village somewhere in Gopeng, Perak and that location is picturesque with rolling limestone hills, lush greenery and winding rivers," she said.
GOPENG
Filming took place over 32 days in January, and the film was produced with a RM1 million Digital Content Fund (DKD) allocation from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).
"The film '6 Jilake' is more than just an action-comedy romp, it's a blend of genres, offering joy, sadness, laughter and lessons," he said.
"The film doesn't rely on typical slapstick scenes and jokes but features lots of moral values and aims to inspire."
CAKES
The film also incorporates elements of Malay culture, using names of traditional cakes, like Badak Berendam, Sepit, Kole Kacang, Bingka Ubi, Tart Nanas and Talam for its characters.
As for Jilake, he added that it was a quote by Rani Kulup, the Perak-born social activist and social media celebrity who popularised the catchphrase "Kipidap" over the last decade.
"I also wanted to celebrate tradition like my old friend Mamat Khalid and insert a bit of history in it, like the fact that the Dutch tried to control the tin trade in Perak in the 18th century.
"After all, I am a history buff, as shown by 'XX-Ray' and 'Leftenan Adnan', and furthermore I began my directing career with Malay costume dramas in the 1980s."
TRADITION
Aziz also said that Malay tradition in movies sells as seen by Syamsul Yusof's 'Mat Kilau' three years ago.
Aziz is dedicating '6 Jilake' to the late veteran actress Datin Noor Azizah, who played his long-suffering mother in the 1976 tear-jerker 'Sayang Anakku Sayang' and who became a close friend over the years.
"She has always been my favourite screen mother, and losing her was like losing a big part of my childhood," he said.
VILLAIN
Saiful Apek thanked Aziz for casting him as the film's main villain. He said that he was delighted to play a more serious person and get out of his comfort zone.
"I've played lots of serious people in the past, even though fans prefer me to be a comedian. The real Apek is 50 per cent funny and 50 per cent serious."
KUNG-FU
Amerul is honoured to play a "badass" freelance warrior a la Kwai Chiang Caine of Kung-Fu, who stands for justice and is extremely upright.
"My character is more of an anti-hero than a hero as he is full of flaws yet he is likeable and relatable to viewers."
The film's preview took place at GSC Mid Valley and was attended by Aziz, Dr Shasa and most of the main cast.
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