Latest news with #PertubuhanSeniSilatGayongMalaysia
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
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Beto Kusyairy's latest movie, a nod for Gayong brethren
AWARD-winning actor Beto Kusyairy has never labelled himself as an action actor. This is because the 45-year-old artiste, whose real name is Nurkusyairy Zakuan Osman, believes that as an actor, he needs to try and excel in various genres of productions. "I've never specifically put the label of action actor for myself. All the characters I played would depend on the scripts and those I'd be working with, from other cast members to the directors," he says in a recent interview. "At this stage, I'm no longer chasing popularity, fame, or even jobs. Instead, I only choose work that I like, that which has an impact on my career and the audience. "An impact which would give the audience the vibe and feel of the performance and its content," he adds. From a humble beginning taking the role of the mascot for children's TV production 'Along' in 2001, Beto has come a long way in his artistic journey, having earned himself some coveted awards. These include the best supporting actor awards at the 32nd Malaysia Film Festival (FFM 32) in 2022 and the 2023 Asean International Film Festival & Awards (Aiffa 2023) for his role as Wahid in the 2022 epic blockbuster 'Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan'. Despite not labelling himself as an action actor, Beto is back playing a character that requires him to show off his martial arts skills. The feature film in question is the action drama and biopic movie, 'Gayong,' currently screening in cinemas nationwide. In this movie, directed by Faisal Ishak and produced by Sol Pictures, Beto plays the role of the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman Uda Mohd Hashim, a silat grandmaster and the founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia. This first instalment (the sequel of this film has also been filmed) recounts the beginnings of Meor and his martial arts from the late 1930s through to the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Dedicated to the Gayong brethren "Truthfully, I'm a little anxious to see public reaction to this role, as there are many anak Gayong (silat Gayong practitioners) out there. There are easily hundreds of thousands of them "I myself am one," reveals Beto, who learnt the Malay martial art since he was just 7 years old. "While I may not be the most skilful Gayong practitioner, I'm honoured to play this role in this film," shares Beto, who believes that this is his small contribution in honouring the grandmaster and his arts. "I dedicate this contribution to him and all the 'anak' Gayong around the world," says Beto, humbly acknowledging his Gayong brethren, its founder, and his descendants. He says that while the film production team had received the blessing from Datuk Meor's daughter, Datuk Paduka Siti Fadzilah, he did not have the opportunity to meet her due to her health condition. Nevertheless, Beto feels fortunate to have met Datuk Meor's proteges, who include Abdul Majid Md Isa, also known as Pandak Majid, and Cikgu Awang Daud. When he met the silat Gayong luminaries, Beto said he had the opportunity to chat about Datuk Meor. "I wanted to find out more about his personality and his demeanour. It was not my intention to copy Datuk Meor in my screen portrayal, which I don't think would be justifiable anyway. "It was just for me to get an idea of who he was and his personality, so that I could adapt to the script. As an actor, it is my responsibility to colour my character in enhancing the story," he explains. Asked if 'Gayong' and his portrayal of Datuk Meor would bring the crowd to the cinemas like how phenomenal it had been for 'Mat Kilau' back in 2022, Beto admits that it is up to the moviegoers.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nabila adds flair to Che Chom
ACTRESS Nabila Huda is known for her meticulous attention to detail when it comes to her onscreen appearance, a trait that shines particularly bright in her roles in period productions. The 40-year-old artiste, daughter of rock icon Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, better known as Amy of Search, often takes the extra step of hiring her own wardrobe designer to ensure the creation of a specific look that perfectly embodies the character she portrays. This dedication to authenticity is evident in her latest film, 'Gayong', which opened in cinemas yesterday. In this action drama and biopic, directed by Faisal Ishak and produced by Sol Pictures Sdn Bhd, Nabila plays Che Chom, the female lead, alongside Beto Kusyairy, who portrays the protagonist, Meor Abdul Rahman. 'Gayong' is inspired by the true story of the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman, a silat grandmaster and the revered founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia. This first instalment of a planned series (a sequel has already been filmed) delves into the early life of Meor and the origins of his martial art, spanning from the late 1930s to the tumultuous period of the Japanese occupation of Malaya. For her portrayal of Che Chom, a housewife from a humble background, Nabila collaborated closely with her wardrobe team to craft a look that would do justice to the character and the historical context. "We developed her image and look based on the references provided by the director and producer, coupled with our own thorough research into that era," Nabila explains during a recent interview. "When I finally saw it all come together on the big screen, I was filled with immense pride. Everything, from the wardrobe to the hair and make-up, had been carefully curated to evoke the essence of a woman living in a small village in Perak, and later, in a seaside village in Singapore." Che Chom's wardrobe, predominantly featuring earthy tones and shades of brown, reflects the modesty and simplicity of the people of that time. "I'm incredibly pleased with the final result. Everything we had envisioned came across as effortlessly authentic," Nabila says, adding that she is willing to invest personal funds to achieve the desired look for her characters. "This is because I like to preserve most of the period pieces I wear in films. They serve as cherished mementos for me to look back on in my later years," she reveals. When asked if she needed to seek approval from the director before embarking on her elaborate sartorial preparations for the film, Nabila explained that Faisal trusted her judgment, given their previous working relationship. "I've worked with Uncle Faisal before, and he knows that I wouldn't do anything without careful consideration and a clear artistic purpose," Nabila says confidently. While she felt confident in her approach to Che Chom's visual presentation, Nabila admitted to some initial apprehension before filming, primarily due to the film's subject matter: silat. "I don't have any background in silat or any other form of martial arts. Naturally, I felt a little self-conscious about being involved in a production centred on such a discipline. "But fortunately, I received excellent guidance from many people, including Kang Yayan (Indonesian actor Yayan Ruhian, who was both in the cast and the film's action director), members of the stunt team, and my co-star, Beto himself." Nabila underwent a day of training to learn the silat movements choreographed for her character. Despite playing the role of a housewife, Che Chom does have a moment to showcase her own fighting skills in a memorable scene. "We spent a day training, but when it came to filming, they changed the choreography on me! Can you believe that?" she recounts with a laugh, recalling the initial shock of that unexpected change. Beyond the silat sequence, Nabila cited the underwater scene as the most challenging aspect of filming 'Gayong'. "Of course, there were experienced divers present underwater, and I had access to an oxygen tank while submerged. "But filming the scenes of me being on the water's surface and then climbing back onto the boat was quite exhausting. "I remember gasping and panting for air for quite some time after we wrapped up that particular sequence," she recalls. When asked if she anticipates receiving accolades for her performance, Nabila humbly stated that her primary objective was to serve the narrative and to enhance Beto's portrayal of the legendary Meor. "I was there to provide the necessary support and strength for him to fully embody and elevate his character, the iconic Meor," she said.
