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New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Gayong' stuns with sizzling silat scenes
STEP into the ring with 'Gayong', a compelling Malaysian martial arts film that blends the rich cultural heritage of Silat Gayong with action sequences. This isn't just another martial arts flick. It's a heartfelt homage to Malaysia's unique martial tradition and the late silat grandmaster Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman, founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia. Honour and legacy 'Gayong' delves into themes of honour, discipline and legacy, offering an insightful look into Meor Abdul Rahman's extraordinary journey and lasting impact. The story begins with how his martial arts skills drew people from far and wide to learn from him. His expertise caught the eye of Major Malburn, a British military officer who appointed him an unarmed combat trainer in the British army. This was a monumental honour, as he was the first Malay to be given such a task. The film shows his service with the British team until the Japanese occupation of Malaya in 1942. Authentic and deep The cast of 'Gayong' truly shines, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Beto Kusyairy, an award-winning actor who has been training in martial arts since age 7, delivers a powerful and convincing performance as Meor Abdul Rahman. He is ably supported by Nabila Huda and Syafie Naswip. The casting feels incredibly natural. The chemistry between the characters elevates the story. Whether it's moments of quiet introspection or scenes of intense drama, the ensemble delivers with impressive sincerity. Nabila Huda, playing Che Som, Meor's wife, deserves a special mention for her attention to detail. She brought her own team to ensure her character's look and wardrobe perfectly captured the period. Her performance is convincing and lives up to the high standards her fans have come to expect. Visual gandeur One of the film's greatest strengths is the breathtaking choreography, orchestrated under the masterful art direction of Yayan Ruhian, the Indonesian martial artist and actor. Ruhian also graces the screen in the film, portraying Wak Kusang, a resident of an island off Singapore's southern coast. Each fight scene is a spectacle of raw power and elegant precision, showcasing the intricate technical depth of silat. The sequences are intense, fluid and rooted in authentic silat tradition. Further amplifying the authenticity is the fact that many of the actors are martial arts practitioners, including Thai MMA fighter Shannon Wiratchai and MMA fighter Peter Davis. The cinematography beautifully complements the action, fluidly capturing every movement while emphasising the emotional stakes of each confrontation. Visually, 'Gayong' is a feast for the eyes, transporting viewers to the 1930s and early 1940s with a rich colour palette and thoughtfully executed period details. The immersion in time and setting feels effortless, never forced or overdone. MOore than an action film While some plot elements might feel familiar to fans of martial arts cinema, 'Gayong' offers a refreshing perspective through its unique cultural lens. This isn't merely a film about fighting. It's a poignant narrative about preserving identity and tradition in a rapidly modernising world. Overall, 'Gayong' stands as a heartfelt and action-packed tribute to Silat Gayong. It's an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates martial arts films with cultural depth. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of martial arts, biopics, Malay heritage or anyone seeking a well-made and engaging cinematic experience. GAYONG DURATION 110 minutes CLASSIFICATION P13
Free Malaysia Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
With ‘Gayong', Beto takes on his toughest role yet
Even though actor Beto Kusyairy began learning silat at age seven, he says he wasn't entirely confident in portraying the late Meor Abdul Rahman in 'Gayong'. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Despite spending much of his school years in the silat arena, Beto Kusyairy didn't feel entirely confident portraying the silat gayong grandmaster in the new action epic, 'Gayong'. The 45-year-old actor admitted he felt uneasy when he was first offered the role of the late Meor Abdul Rahman (1915-1991), the legendary founder of the martial art. 'I felt a great deal of anxiety. Portraying him was a daunting task. Even though I'm a student of gayong myself, I wasn't certain I could do it justice,' he said. What eventually convinced Beto was the director's clear vision, along with the strength of the cast and script. 'After listening to Faisal Ishak's plans and learning who else was involved, I knew this wasn't just a film – it was a mission. So, I had no reason to turn it down,' he said at the recent premiere of 'Gayong', now screening in local cinemas. 'Gayong', which also stars Nabila Huda and Syafie Naswip, is based on the real-life journey of the founder of Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong. To preserve authenticity, foreign actors with real martial-arts backgrounds were brought in, including Indonesian martial artist and actor Yayan Ruhian. Beto, who began learning silat at age seven, went beyond memorising the script: he met with several of the late master's former students, including Meor's own son, Cikgu Sazali. 'I didn't attempt to fully imitate the character of Datuk Meor, as that would be impossible. Instead, I chose to interpret the role based on the script, with the main intention of conveying his spirit of struggle and character,' Beto said. 'Gayong' is directed by Faisal Ishak, whose credits also include 'Padu' and 'Juvana'. (Bernama pic) For director Faisal, crafting a story that blends a biographical figure with dramatic fiction rooted in historical facts wasn't easy. Beyond the production and technical aspects, he was intent on preserving authenticity and honouring Meor's legacy. As such, 'we took a 'historical epic' approach', he explained: 'The storyline is dramatised, but the timeline and key events – like him working at Gilman Barracks, and moving to Singapore and Pulau Sudong – are all real. 'The selection of foreign actors was also done carefully. The Thai antagonist, for example, is played by a genuine Muay Thai fighter; the character Yamada is portrayed by a Japanese actor.' The entire cast underwent rigorous training under Yayan and other experienced silat gayong instructors. 'It wasn't just about learning movements – it was about internalising the discipline and spirit behind every motion,' Faisal added. Meanwhile, executive producer Khairul Anuar Latip revealed that while filming for 'Gayong 2' has already been completed, the team is focusing all efforts on the success of the first movie. 'It is still in post-production. Right now, we're asking everyone to support 'Gayong' so we can continue this legacy with even greater impact,' he said.
