Latest news with #AbhilashChandra
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Big hits from 'Blood Brothers' to 'Ejen Ali' sequel
THE action film 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga', directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, is making a significant impact, both in cinemas and through its highly successful nationwide tour. 'Blood Brothers' has demonstrated the power of local productions, marking a new chapter in Malaysian film history. The popular movie has already collected over RM70 million at the box office after just 25 days of screenings. The film's tour stops have also been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, turning shopping malls and cinemas into vibrant hubs where fans have shown their support with continuous applause and cheers. This level of audience engagement is unprecedented for a Malaysian film in recent memory, highlighting the extraordinary appeal of 'Blood Brothers' and solidifying its position as a standout film of the year. Beyond the tour, 'Blood Brothers' has also taken social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram by storm, with fans sharing their experiences, from meeting the cast to reacting to the film's thrilling scenes, often accompanied by the hashtag #SapotLokal to express their support. The Bara Naga tour, which recently concluded in Terengganu and Pahang, was met with a warm reception from fans eager to meet their favourite actors. Meanwhile, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Primeworks Studios. Following the success of 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga', the studio is set to release the animated film 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' this month. Building on the success of its predecessor, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' aims to elevate the standard of animated films, promising enhanced production quality, a more mature storyline, and stunning visuals. Despite facing competition from both local and international films, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' is poised to make its mark in cinemas. With three major releases this year, including the hilarious adventure film '6 Jilake', directed by Aziz M. Osman, Primeworks Studios reaffirms its commitment to producing high-quality content and driving the growth of the local entertainment industry.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysian action punches ahead
MACHISMO, loyalty and lens flares – that is Blood Brothers: Bara Naga in a nutshell. Directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, this Malaysian action thriller does not shy away from wearing its genre influences on its tailored suit sleeve and for what is trying to do, it works. The film's strength lies in its high-octane action sequences and cinematic flair, while anchoring itself firmly in themes of loyalty and betrayal between men who communicate primarily through punches, loaded stares and the occasional monologue about honour. For audiences looking for something deeply rooted in Malaysian machismo with a side of melodrama, this is as close as it gets to local action nirvana. Visually stunning cinematography Visually, Bara Naga is a stunner. From neon-lit corridors to misty night chases, the film makes every shot feel like it is meant for the big screen. The cinematography, courtesy of a talented visual team, does not just look good, it looks expensive. Drone shots glide over Kuala Lumpur city skylines, slow-motion shots catch bullets mid-fight and every explosion is framed with maximum style and poise. Even if one were to nitpick about certain story elements (more on that later), the visual language of Bara Naga speaks loud and clear: Malaysia can do action just as slick as any other regional heavyweight. The team knew exactly what they wanted this film to look like and they delivered, in spades. Brotherhood of man While the plot threads might occasionally unravel or trip over themselves in their quest to deliver twists and turns, the heart of Bara Naga is firmly in its depiction of male camaraderie. Whether it is shirtless sparring, side glances charged with past trauma, or conversations about loyalty held in the rain, the film taps into a deep emotional well that can only be described as a straight man's depiction of trust issues. The relationships here between bodyguards, mafia bosses, long-lost siblings and bromantic rivals are what give the film its pulse. And yes, while the tone may occasionally veer into melodramatic soap opera territory, it is always entertaining. Here is where things get interesting. The action sequences in Bara Naga do not hold back, there are knife fights, hand-to-hand combat, car chases and at least three scenes where someone walks away from an explosion. While some may argue that the action set pieces are a bit overcooked (and they are), they are also undeniably fun. It is the kind of fight choreography that looks like it was designed by someone who grew up loving The Raid, J ohn Wick and a healthy dose of K-drama slow motion action scenes. Occasionally, it does feel like the film could have tightened the pacing in between shootouts, but as far as Malaysian action flicks go, this is a confident swing and it mostly hits. Proudly Malaysian From the language to the power structures, cultural references to emotional beats, Bara Naga is unapologetically Malaysian. That is not a flaw, rather it is very much part of the charm. The film leans into its cultural specificity, crafting an action flick that speaks to local audiences while also attempting to raise the bar in terms of production values and storytelling. Yes, some scenes are dramatic to the point of parody. Yes, there are plot holes big enough to drive a convoy of armoured tanks through. But none of that overshadows the fact that this is a huge step forward for the local industry, a sign that Malaysian cinema is not only growing in ambition but also in technical polish. Worthy step forward Blood Brothers: Bara Naga is not perfect. It plays safe in some areas, stretches belief in others and occasionally forgets to explain why certain things are happening. But at the end of the day, it delivers what it promises: a testosterone-fueled, brotherhood-heavy action fest that is beautifully shot, emotionally intense and made to cater to its home audience. It may not be Malaysia's answer to The Departed just yet, but it is a solid swing in the right direction. Watch it with the understanding that it is not trying to be flawless, it is trying to be fun and maybe a little bit cathartic for anyone who has ever been let down by their 'bro'. DIRECTOR: Abhilash Chandra, Syafiq Yusof CAST: Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahaya, Amelia Henderson, Syazwan Zulkifli E-VALUE: 7/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 8/10
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Blood Brothers' burns up box office with RM50mil haul
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian action movie Blood Brothers: Bara Naga continues its blockbuster run, achieving an extraordinary RM50 million at the box office in just 14 days, including early screenings. The film's success has ignited social media, with overwhelmingly positive reactions and feedback. Viewers are particularly drawn to the viral opening sequence, with some returning to cinemas specifically to experience its first 10 minutes. Co-directors Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra have expressed their profound gratitude. "We are incredibly thankful for the continued and overwhelming support from Malaysian audiences, which has propelled the film to this remarkable achievement. "We thank you for your unwavering belief in Blood Brothers: Bara Naga." The film's reception underscores a key point: Blood Brothers: Bara Naga offers a cinematic experience that transcends the action genre. Its captivating visuals, powerful sound design, and emotionally resonant scenes are crafted for the big screen. This immersive experience is simply unattainable through OTT platforms or television. In cinemas, audiences are united by a shared atmosphere – the suspense, the collective silence, and the spontaneous applause. Primeworks Studios is further enhancing this experience by sharing an exclusive, must-see scene. While even the short clip is thrilling, the full version promises an even greater cinematic thrill. This exclusive excerpt from the film's first fight sequence, released on Instagram, has already generated considerable buzz. While impactful on a phone screen, it offers only a glimpse of the true cinematic power of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga. Viewers are strongly encouraged to experience the film in cinemas, where every detail is meticulously designed for maximum impact and immersion. Don't miss the epic Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, now playing in cinemas nationwide.
