Latest news with #TelagaSuriram
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Horror, fantasy are teen Puteri Rafasya's picks
SHE stamped her presence in Malaysian cinema by playing a tragic, little girl who becomes a ghost in the well — and Puteri Rafasya Abdul Rauf is just getting started. Puteri Rafasya has been acting for eight years now and director Osman Ali's 'Telaga Suriram' is actually her second movie role. The 14-year-old child starlet made her silver screen debut in 'Seratus' two years ago, and that was an action adventure with 100 cameos and main stars who included Datuk Awie, Adam Shahz, Isyariana Azmi, Fezrul Khan, Alif Satar, Sara Ali, Sharul Kamal and herself. In a recent interview to mark the premiere of 'Telaga Suriram', Puteri Rafasya said: "It's a little creepy to play a ghost in my very first leading role, but that's a role with an impact." Puteri plays 9-year-old Suriram, a dead village girl for 75 per cent of the two-hour horror, and she is an innocent victim of a heinous crime committed by a person with power. "While the thought of playing a dead person does send a bit of chill down my spine, but it was more of a rest and relax moment. "I was, however, mentally alert throughout my 'dead' scenes, always thinking of what the director would order me to do next," said Puteri Rafasya. COMMERCIALS Puteri Rafasya has been acting since she was six, in dramas and television commercials. "My first drama series was 'Ustaz Pink' in 2019, a romantic comedy headline by Nazim Othman and Farah Nabilah. "And then, I had my first Viu drama titled 'Restu' last year." Puteri Rafasya said 'Restu' was great fun, and she played the daughter of a single father played by her favourite actor Datuk Remy Ishak. As his daughter, she helped him find his Miss Right, from four beauties played by Wanna Ali, Elizabeth Tan, Ahirine Ahirudin and Siti Elizad Sharifuddin. "I enjoyed working with Remy, he's very friendly and a gentleman. That's why I always call him Hero Malaya." PAIRED In 'Telaga Suriram', Puteri is delighted to play the daughter of Maya Karin who is often paired with Remy and is her favourite actress alongside Nabila Huda Suhaimi. In fact, Nabila Huda plays her babysitter and best friend and she got to spend a lot of screen time with the daughter of rock legend Datuk Amy of Search. "I admire Nabila for her versatility and the fact that she also began her acting career while still in school. "As for Maya, I love her versatility in acting, singing and hosting television programmes. "I also loved her role as a tragic vampire in the Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam movies." STRICT It is Puteri Rafasya's first time being directed by Osman Ali. While she initially thought he would be a strict man, she was delighted to learn that he was a gentleman who was nice to her throughout their year-long shoots in Perak, Kedah and Perlis. "Osman always made sure I was all right and often reminded the cast and crew to make sure she had enough rest," she said. Puteri Rafasya had a pleasant surprise when she met actress Scha Alyahya's daughter Lara Alaina Awal, 10, who visited the set once. She bonded well with the former 'Muzik Muzik' host who played a tough policewoman, ASP Karmila. Actor Farid Kamil was also a great friend of Puteri Rafasya on the set of the movie, even though he played one of the bad guys. "Unfortunately, I did not get to meet his daughter Aurora, 10, as she seldom visits her parents on location," said Puteri Rafasya. COACH As for Ellie Suriaty Omar, she was a great acting coach who made the job easy for Puteri Rafasya. "Kak Ellie told me to always get into character and not think of the real world outside the set. "Getting into character is the key to becoming a good actress." Puteri Rafasya was born in Kuala Lumpur and is the eldest of three siblings. She is paternally Kelantanese and maternally Penangite. "I love horror movies and would love to star in more of them. "But not as a victim but a survivor who defeats the monsters." FANTASY Puteri Rafasya also loves fantasy movies and animated movies and would love to do voice-over work for local animated movies. "I always love 'Spirited Away' by Ghibli Studios and 'The Lion King' by Disney." Puteri Rafasya however admits that she is rather serious and not a fan of comedies. "Nevertheless, there is no harm acting in comedies as long as my character is serious, yet funny." Puteri Rafasya's dream role is to be a character who can be good and bad at the same time. "Morally ambiguous characters are fascinating, such as Harley Quinn of DC Comics and Jack Sparrow of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean'," she said. FUTURE In future, Puteri Rafasya would love to team up with Nabila, Maya, Remy and Farid in different types of movies, playing characters vastly different from 'Telaga Suriram' and 'Restu'. "Every movie and drama is an adventure for me, and while I may not be physically travelling to different destinations, getting into a brand new role is as good as doing so," she said.
New Straits Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Chilling tale proves another tear-jerker from Osman Ali
MENTION the name Osman Ali, and viewers will get to see images of rustic Kedah, his beloved home state, plus tragic stories set in villages with picturesque rice fields. His latest movie Telaga Suriram is no different, but while we get to shed a lot of tears, we also get to despise some monstrous people along the way. Telaga Suriram is about a 9-year-old girl named Suriram (Puteri Rafasya) whose disappearance becomes a ghost story to her fellow villagers. Her mother Rohaya (Maya Karin) and father Sopiyan (Indonesian actor Fauzi Baadilla) frantically search for her, and with the help of their headman's son Zakir (Farid Kamil) and the no-nonsense district police chief ASP Karmila (Scha Alyahya), they finally discover that she drowned in an isolated well. Rohaya falls into deep depression, and suspects that her late daughter's mute babysitter Maimon (Nabila Huda Suhaimi) killed her. Meanwhile, Maimon's mother and village midwife Khadijah (Ellie Suriaty Omar) strongly protests her daughter's innocence and tries to convince the villagers that Suriram's tragic death could have been the work of people close to her as well as those "in high places". The film, which was produced in 2022, underwent a meticulous process from script to post-production, and the end result clearly shows. As a prolific director, Osman crafted Telaga Suriram around the topic of missing children who often become the focus of the community. Osman thought it would be interesting to produce a story that combines mystical elements with beliefs that have been passed down. An adorable girl next door, Puteri Rafasya is marking her first major big screen role as the titular Suriram. The Kelantanese-Penangite beauty is brilliant, both as the living Suriram and the dead one. As the living Suriram she really looks like a sweet, innocent village girl and her interactions with the main stars, especially Nabila Huda and Maya Karin, are very real. As the ghost she is very creepy, and the makeup artist did a splendid job. Nabila Huda, as predicted, is the heart and soul of the movie, the emotional powerhouse all the way. It is one of her most taxing movies and her character Maimon suffered a lot. We can all sympathise and root for Maimon, as we know from the word go that she is a victim of bigotry in the village. The same can be said of her mother, brilliantly played by Ellie who excels in long-suffering single mother roles. Ellie's character is that of a midwife who is ostracised by the villagers for allegedly practising black magic, and while she is often physically and verbally abused by the villagers, she is a protective mother who takes the blows that are meant for her daughter. Of the boys, Fauzi is great, and plays his character to perfection. His "distraught daddy" is also the only good man in the story. Maya, who reunites with Osman and Farid, both of whom she worked with in Anak Halal, is believable as the distressed mother of Suriram. Initially she appears to be innocent, but as the story gradually unfolds, viewers learn that she is not the "angel" she is made out to be, and perhaps she indirectly caused her daughter's tragic death. Farid is playing a crooked leader for the first time, and it is a stark contrast from playing an upright one in a prominent Malaysian leader's biopic two years ago. His character Zakir looks pretty much a narcissist, yet he is hero-worshipped by the villagers, and viewers can sense that he is not the charitable headman that he appears to be. Scha Alyahya marks her first collaboration with Osman. Her character Karmila is the most stoical throughout the story and is admirable for her determination to uncover the truth behind the innocent girl's death, even if it means taking the headman and Suriram's parents to jail. While the film is a masterpiece, with lots of important messages, some minor mistakes occur though, such as the uniforms worn by the police officers including Scha's character. The movie is set in 1985, but the pale blue police uniforms seem to be from an earlier era. At the end of the day, it is great to have an award-winning ensemble cast, which includes prominent award-winning actors and actresses. The movie carries important lessons about family values, true friendship, betrayal, discrimination, vengeance, bigotry and honesty. It can serve as a cautionary tale about the never-ending evils of child abuse and abuse of power. Syabas to Osman and his brilliant ensemble cast for yet another job well done! TELAGA SURIRAM DIRECTOR Osman Ali RATING 16
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Osman's tragic tale of 'girl in the well' finally hits cinemas
ACCLAIMED director Osman Ali took three years to complete 'Telaga Suriram', largely because of the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the government between 2020 and 2022. At the recent preview of 'Telaga Suriram' in Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Osman said that his cast and crew took a six-month break, so filming was only wrapped up in a year. "It was very tricky; the actors and actresses could not alter their appearances too much, so everybody watched their weight and looks. "And as for the titular character Suriram, I had a substitute for her in certain scenes where she appears as a ghost. "The brilliant young star, Puteri Rafasya, grew considerably over the months so she could not be Suriram in all her appearances, alive or as a ghost." GOPENG Osman also said that the characters of Maimon played by Nabila Huda Suhaimi and Rohaya played by Maya Karin were multi-faceted and "deep", and their emotional scenes underwent many takes. The film's rating is 16, and Osman avoided sensitive scenes all the way. "I did a lot of self-censorship, I minimised violence and did not show any suggestive scenes, only suggestive dialogue." Osman filmed the RM3 million 'Telaga Suriram' in three locations namely Kodiang in Kedah, Kangar in Perlis and Gopeng in Perak. He said: "I chose to have missing children as the theme of the movie because they often become the focus of the community, and this has been going on for ages. "Although most cases are solved by the authorities, there are also a few that remain mysteries." Osman added that according to folklore, many old wells are haunted and are believed to take human lives especially children who wander away from their homes and get lost. "So, I thought it would be very interesting to produce a story that combines mystical elements with beliefs that have been passed down." MYSTERY Produced by Odissi Creative Sdn Bhd, 'Telaga Suriram' is about 9-year-old Suriram whose disappearance becomes a ghost story to her fellow villagers. Her mother Rohaya (Maya) and father Sopiyan (Indonesian actor Fauzi Baadilla) frantically search for her, and with the help of their headman's son Zakir (Farid Kamil) and the no-nonsense district police chief ASP Karmila (Scha Alyahya), they finally discover that she drowned in an isolated well. Rohaya falls into deep depression, and suspects that her late daughter's mute babysitter Maimon (Nabila Huda) killed her. Meanwhile, Maimon's mother and village midwife Khadijah (Ellie Suriaty Omar) strongly protests her daughter's innocence and tries to convince the villagers that Suriram's tragic death could have been the work of people close to her as well as those "in high places". The film's producer Yus Yusop said: "The film, which we produced in 2022, underwent a meticulous process from script to post-production. That is why it took three years to complete, and I'm happy with the end result." EMOTIONAL POWERHOUSE Scha said that 'Telaga Suriram' was her first collaboration with Osman. "Ellie was our acting coach and I thank her for helping me play the tough, no-nonsense Karmila," she said. Puteri Rafasya, who plays Suriram, is excited to be a major character for the first time. "I love this movie because it carries important lessons about family, friendship and vengeance," she said. Nabila Huda said that the movie was an emotional powerhouse all the way. "It is one of my most taxing movies and my character Maimon suffered a lot. "She was literally thrown into the lake, trapped in a crashed car, caged and pelted with mud and rocks, pushed into the mud, beaten with sticks and kicked to the ground." Maya said that the biggest challenge everyone had was to go in and out of their characters. "No thanks to the pandemic and the MCO, filming started and stopped before resuming, and it was a tricky process for everyone. "As for Fauzi, he is a great actor and played his character to perfection, the only good guy amongst the men in the story." Farid said that he was playing a crooked politician for the first time, and it is a stark contrast from playing an upright one in a prominent Malaysian leader's biopic two years ago. "The most unusual thing we encountered during filming was the presence of fearsome tigers! "A couple of them were spotted in the jungle close to our filming location, and everyone had to keep quiet and not go near them," he said. Ellie said that 'Telaga Suriram' marked her first starring role in an Osman movie.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Siti Nurhaliza's cameo thrill
WHILE every Malaysian knows that Biduanita Negara Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza is the country's No. 1 singer, not many realise that she has occasionally dabbled in acting. While she is not keen on having full-fledged television or movie roles, Siti once starred as a supporting character in an acclaimed musical. That was Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina's long-running 'P. Ramlee The Musical', which was first staged at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur in 2008. "That is my one and only credited starring role — I played the mysterious muse of Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Azizah, in the first season of Enfiniti Productions' musical," said Siti at the recent launch of her latest motion picture soundtrack, 'Sesal' for director Osman Ali's new horror film 'Telaga Suriram'. The theme song's launch was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur and was also attended by Osman. Siti said: "Actually, I have made some cameo appearances in Datuk Rosyam Nor's and my sister-in-law Zaiton Mohamad Jiwa's dramas, usually as myself. "And when I'm not playing myself, I have virtually non-speaking roles, which can be missed by viewers by the blink of an eye!" If Siti does get cameo roles on the big or small screen again, she would love to be a "pegawai" (government official) or a board of directors member. "Even though acting has never been my forte, it is sometimes pretty cool to star in dramas or movies, especially if such dramas or movies have star-studded casts," she said. Based on fan feedback over the years, Siti has learnt that playing officials suits her well, as she always "carries herself with dignity". "Honestly, I don't think I look like an official in both the public and private sectors. But then, it's heartwarming to play such roles because they are respected by society." Siti has occasionally played "superheroes", but only in her music videos. "In some of my music videos, I'm a person who heals. It's a bit like some Michael Jackson videos, but wholly Malaysian and sweet!" When asked about 'Sesal', which is composed and written by Nurzaidi Abdul Rahman, Siti said the song was recorded within three hours last month. "I'm honoured and happy to sing it for a great film with a star-studded cast." 'Telaga Suriram' stars Maya Karin, Nabila Huda Suhaimi, Farid Kamil, Ellie Suriati Omar, Scha Alyahya and Puteri Rafasyah. It tells the story of a mother whose little daughter mysteriously disappears near a well and is believed to have fallen into it and drowned. Osman said: "She refuses to believe that the girl is dead and goes on her own search to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. "She also must clear her name due to widespread belief among her fellow villagers that she killed her daughter." Siti said theme songs are important avenues for singers' hits to be known. "I always advise new singers to get their songs for dramas and movies," she said. "That is because Malaysians love watching dramas and movies, and having good theme songs tied to good dramas and movies helps promote singers." Siti said 'Sesal' is a poignant song that reflects the tragic story of the film's protagonist, a mother who loses her child in mysterious circumstances. "As a mother, I can understand the passion and emotion of the character." Siti's first movie soundtrack was 'Hati', the theme song of the 2007 historical movie '1957: Hati Malaya' directed by Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba. In 2022, she sang 'Sama-Sama' the theme song for the Covid-19 pandemic movie 'Juang', which was also directed by Osman. Osman said: 'It is always great to work with our much-loved Queen of Pop. "She is a wonderful person who is professional and friendly, not to mention a person with superb work ethics." Siti is working on an 11-song album of 'Lagu Asli' to be ready by December. While she seldom sings with music maestro Datuk M. Nasir, she said it would be great to join him in his shows again. Siti said: "Nasir's concerts are always entertaining and I always enjoy them. "We last sang on the same stage in 2023, in Malam Bulan Dan Bintang at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur." As for foreign acts, Siti would love to duet with Indonesian rock band Sheila On Seven. "I'm a big fan of Indonesian music and while I have worked with balladeers such as Cakra Khan, Afgansyah Reza, Judika and Kris Dayanti over the years, I feels it is high time that I teamed up with a great group of rockers from the neighbouring country."
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Farid Kamil apologises over verbal faux pas
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Farid Kamil claims to have apologised to a legendary star via WhatsApp for repeatedly naming the person in a recent podcast session. Regretful of what happened, Farid, 44, admitted his mistake because the conversation was seen to reflect badly on the image and reputation of the legendary star involved. "I have personally contacted him to apologise and explain my mistake. "I regret that particular conversation during the podcast interview. I need to tell the fans and supporters of the veteran artiste that I have already apologised to him. I hope they can forgive my mistake." "He read my message, however, no response was given," Farid said when met at the recent premiere of the film Telaga Suriram, here. The popular actor said he had asked the responsible party to take down the video after it went viral and became a topic of debate among netizens. "I have instructed them (the podcast host) to take down the video because of my mistake of speaking and sharing the experience," he said. Controversy erupted when Farid, while a guest on the podcast, 'Podcast Lelaki', expressed regret after being slandered for taking illegal substances at the launch of the film Anwar: The Untold Story, about two years ago. Farid's series of posts drew criticism from netizens who were generally furious with his naming of the veteran star who was said to have faced the same problem.
