Latest news with #SyafiqYusof
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Meet Malaysia's new wave of directors shaping cinema from box office hits to Cannes acclaim (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — More often than not, film directors are influential people, especially the great ones such as Steven Spielberg or Sir Christopher Nolan, who at least once in their careers have been praised as visionaries. This is thanks to their ability to make films that not only collected tonnes of money at the box office but also made films that resonated well with generations of audiences. Some even end up being inducted as iconic pieces of pop culture such as the 1975 film Jaws or the Dark Knight trilogy which forever changed the landscape of superhero films. Malaysians might not be spoken of in the same breath as Spielberg or Nolan, yet, but it doesn't mean that we don't have great filmmakers other than the legendary late Tan Sri P. Ramlee or the late Yasmin Ahmad. Here's a list of Malaysian filmmakers to get you started. 1. The Yusof Family The holy trinity of the Malaysian box office at the moment, consisting of Datuk Yusof Haslam and his two sons Syamsul Yusof and Syafiq Yusof. Yusof Haslam is a veteran Malaysian actor, director and screenwriter whose filmography is adored by many Malaysians especially for his works such as Gerak Khas, Sembilu and Pasrah which received numerous accolades previously. Yusof's filmmaking knacks seems to have been passed down to both of his sons with Syamsul wearing the crown of being the director of the highest grossing Malaysian film of all time through his 2022 Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan which scored RM89.4 million in ticket collections. Younger brother Syafiq is currently on a hot streak at the moment with him coming up with back to back blockbuster hits since 2023 which includes Polis Evo 3 and Sheriff: Narko Integriti. Sheriff: Narko Integriti, which came out last year, is currently the second highest grossing local films of all time, having pocketed RM59.4 million in ticket sales while Polis Evo 3 collected RM50.1 million, making it the third highest grossing local film of all time. And his latest action flick Blood Brothers: Bara Naga which is currently showing in cinemas nationwide has already grossed RM21 million in less than a week of screening time. 2. Adrian Teh Penang-born filmmaker Adrian Teh has been keeping Malaysians entertained for years now, whether it's from his action-packed military films such as Paskal and Malbatt: Misi Bakara or his earlier Chinese-language films such as the Hungry Ghost Ritual, Lelio Popo and The Wedding Diary. Aside from his directing range, Teh is also known for raising the bar on how local films are presented, such as his 2023 Malbatt: Misi Bakara, which is the first Malaysian film to be shown on IMAX screens across local cinemas nationwide while his 2020 romantic comedy Pasal Kau, which is Netflix's first Malaysian original film. Teh also founded the Chinese Films Association of Malaysia back in 2012, which aims to develop the local Chinese films and television industry and further raise its standards. 3. Aziz Aziz is another veteran Malaysian director who is still actively working. Some of his films are even considered cult classics. Among them are the Senario films, including the comedic troupe's original 'trilogy' films — Senario The Movie, Senario Lagi and Lagi-Lagi Senario. Aziz is also among the earliest local directors to explore the sci-fi genre through his acclaimed 1992 XX Ray film, which enjoyed overwhelming success and went on to spawn sequels. The second movie came out in 1995 while the third instalment came 24 years later in 2019 (but sadly bombed at the local box office due to weak CGI). He is currently set to release his latest film 6 Jilake this April 24 which is an action-comedy movie inspired by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee's famous 6 Jahanam film. 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, and Jalil Hamid. 4. Sun-J Perumal Shanjhey Perumal, better known as Sun-J, has definitely left his mark in Malaysia's Tamil film industry and he is just warming up. This is after his first full length feature film Jagat which was released in 2015 has made waves both locally and internationally with the film bagging the best picture and best director awards at the 28th Malaysia Film Festival while it was also screened at the 10th edition of the Five Flavours Film Festival in Poland. Jagat, which had grossed over RM330,000 at local box office despite screening in fewer than 20 cinemas, is widely regarded as one of the best Tamil-language films made in Malaysia. The film is set in the early 1990s, a critical period in Indian Malaysian history which revolves around the plight of the Indian estate workers in Malaysia who were left in dire straits after rubber plantations were closed and the story is told through the eyes of 12-year-old protagonist named Appoy. Sun-J will also be releasing two new feature films this year which will serve as Jagat's spiritual sequels with the first one being a gritty crime drama Macai premiering this July 24 and second is the satirical romantic drama Neer Mel Neruppu (Fire on Water) which will be released this September 18. According to Sun-J, Neer Mel Neruppu reimagines the Appoy character from Jagat as a driven student who becomes a filmmaker, while Macai envisions a darker path, where he descends into the drug trade. 5. Jin Ong Taiping-born filmmaker Jin Ong has made waves with his debut film 'Abang Adik' back in 2023. — Picture courtesy of the Dead Tide team Taiping-born filmmaker Jin Ong has made waves through his directorial debut of the highly acclaimed Abang Adik film which has received 28 international awards while also receiving up to 69 nominations at various film festivals worldwide. The film which centres around undocumented orphans struggling in poverty was previously named Best Film at the Asia New York Film Festival (22nd Uncaged Competition) and won the Golden Mulberry, Black Dragon Critics' Award, and White Mulberry Award for Best Feature Film at the 25th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. The film has also grossed RM5.7 million in Malaysia while making HK$2.8 million (RM1.6 million) in Hong Kong, another TW$100 million (RM13.6 million) in Taiwan and RMB3 million (RM1.8 million) in China. Despite Abang Adik being his first film as a director, Ong has been in the filming industry in Taiwan and Malaysia for over 20 years now and he has several producer credits to his name. He also owns a production house called Moore Entertainment which produced the first Malaysian film titled Shuttle Life that was nominated at the 54th edition of the prestigious Golden Horse Awards. Honourable mentions Aside from the five already listed, here are some other local filmmakers that deserve a shout out. Nik Amir Mustapha Known for his 2023 film Imaginur which dominated the 33rd Malaysia Film Festival with the romantic sci-fi film bagging seven awards including for best director and best film. Amanda Nell Eu Her directorial debut in 2023 film Tiger Stripes has earned her international recognitions including the Grand Prix Award at the 62nd Semaine de la Critique during the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France and a Special Jury Mention in the First Feature Film category at the 27th Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada. Eu was also presented with the Women In Motion award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Amir Muhammad and Kuman Pictures After making his directorial debut with Lips to Lips in 2000 which is also the first independent digital film produced in Malaysia, Amir Muhammad then formed Kuman Pictures which went on to produce the acclaimed 2023 Pendatang film. Pendatang made history as not only the first fully crowd-funded Malaysian film but it was also released on YouTube for free. The Malaysian dystopian drama thriller has raked over 4.5 million views since its release. The late Mamat Khalid Although he is no longer with us, films by the late great Mamat Khalid which have spawned franchises, continue to be among the most beloved by Malaysians. Mamat who is known for his subtle social commentary jabs through his many films is exactly why many adored him and some of his filmography includes titles such as Rock, Zombi Kampung Pisang, Hantu Kak Limah and Man Laksa. Mamat died in October 2021, however his legacy is continued by his son and aspiring director Amen Khalid.
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.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Syafiq Yusof admits "Soloz: Game of Life" was his most challenging film to-date
28 Jan - Syafiq Yusof recently admitted that his new movie, "Soloz: Game of Life" is the hardest film he has ever made to-date, despite having helmed many action films throughout his career. The filmmaker, who spoke to the media about the new movie that revolves around the world of e-sports, particularly Mobile Legends, said he had to learn many new things and do extensive research throughout the process as it's a new kind of world to him. "If you are used to my works, this film is quite out of the box as it goes against my usual theme of gangsterism, horror and police story. It's quite challenging as it includes various elements including drama, e-sports and animation," he said. Syafiq added that directing his 2024 hit film, "Sheriff: Narko Integriti" was way easier compared to "Soloz". Meanwhile, the director stated that the movie is not a biopic, though it was inspired by the real life of Malaysian e-sport player, Soloz, real name Muhammad Faris Zakaria. "Because of him, I think this kind of movie has to be created especially for parents in Malaysia, so that we can change their perspectives when it comes to the world of video games," he added. The film stars Hun Haqeem, Imal Amry, Syafie Naswip and Noki K-clique among others and has been in theatres since 23 January. (Photo Source: Cinema Online)
