Latest news with #Sembilu
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga' gets novelised
KUALA LUMPUR: Skop Productions, in collaboration with WhiteCoat Group, has transformed its cinematic blockbuster, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, into a novel. Datuk Yusof Haslam, founder and head of the film production house, stated that this move wasn't new for him, recalling that his popular 1990s movie Sembilu was also novelised. "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, directed by my son Syafiq and his friend Abhilash Chandra, makes history by transitioning from a film to a novel," said Yusof at the novel's launch at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, last Sunday. "Just like when Sembilu was screened, we turned it into a novel, and as far as I remember, about 30,000 copies of that novel were produced." Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, which premiered on April 10, has earned RM62 million in 20 days, making it one of the country's top-selling films. Yusof explained that novelising Blood Brothers was a good idea, as not everyone enjoys watching films. He extended his gratitude to authors Dr. Anwar Fazal and Amshida Ahmad Rani for "doing a great job." "Dr. Anwar is my nephew and he is also a songwriter for Syafiq's films," he added. Syafiq expressed his hope that the novel would be well-received by readers, adding, "Congratulations Dr. Anwar, I hope this novel will be a great success." Anwar and Amshida completed the novel in two weeks.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam: I never thought my sons would create phenomenal movies
KUALA LUMPUR: Filmmaker Datuk Yusof Haslam, 70, never thought that the top five best-selling local films of all time would be the work of his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq. In a Harian Metro report yesterday, Yusof said that he never expected the duo to become "giants" of the Malaysian film industry. "I am grateful to God for the success of my sons Syamsul and Syafiq. We never dreamed of this," said Yusof, who is best known for his 1990s Sembilu film series and his long-running police drama series Gerak Khas. Social media is currently abuzz with news of the Top 5 highest-grossing local films. Heading the list is Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan directed by Syamsul with a collection of RM97.4 million. This is followed by Sheriff: Narko Integriti (RM63.2 million by Syafiq), Blood Brothers: Bara Naga (RM62 million by Syafiq), Polis Evo 3 (RM54.1 million by Syafiq) and Munafik 2 (RM48 million by Syamsul). Yusof, who is also the owner of Skop Productions Sdn Bhd, said that he was delighted that his sons' movies were a hit with moviegoers. "I'm done with my era of achieving box-office hits. Now, it is my children's turn to make films, while I focus on drama series." Yusof also said that Syamsul was working on a new film, Original Gangster. "I hope that other young directors will also achieve success and elevate the local film industry," he said. The latest film directed by Syafiq and produced by Skop Productions, Blood Brothers has raked in an extraordinary RM62 million after 20 days.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam donates RM380k to Putra Heights gas explosion victims
KUALA LUMPUR: Motivated by sympathy, Datuk Yusof Haslam is donating RM380,000 to assist victims of the gas pipe explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor, which occurred early last month. The prominent producer and director revealed this pledge was linked to the performance of his latest Skop Productions film, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga. Speaking at a recent open house event, Yusof explained, "When this film was about to be screened, the gas explosion tragedy just happened. I sympathise, some of my friends' houses were affected." He added that seeing the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, aiding the victims further inspired him. "I discussed with my wife the intention that if the collection of this film is more than Sheriff: Narco Integriti, we will make donations," he told BH Online. That condition has been fulfilled. Blood Brothers: Bara Naga had earned RM62 million in 20 days, surpassing the record set by Sheriff: Narco Integriti. Yusof confirmed the donation details: "We will contribute RM380,000 as my sincere donation. "God willing, we will implement it at the end of this month," potentially using platforms like a TV3 fund or local authority channels. Yusof, known for directing hits like Sembilu, believes strongly in sharing success. "When God gives us rezeki, it's not just for us. We have a social responsibility," he reflected, noting past instances where he provided aid to those facing hardship who sought his help. "We help them sincerely," he said.
