Latest news with #WAUAnimation
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali sequel collects RM34.2mil at box office in just 11 days
KUALA LUMPUR: Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has officially made history, raking in over RM34.2 million in just 11 days, shattering the box office record of its predecessor. This achievement also makes EATM2 the highest-grossing local animated film in the shortest amount of time. The movie, presented by Primeworks Studios (PWS) and WAU Animation, in collaboration with Komet Productions, has also surpassed the earnings of several international productions released in May 2025, such as Thunderbolts, Mission: Impossible, and Lilo & Stitch. A recent statement by the producers said, "This proves the prowess of local productions in the face of fierce cinematic competition." It added that to date, over 2 million viewers have flocked to see EATM2. "This remarkable success is driven by an extraordinary turnout at cinemas, establishing EATM2 as the top choice for families throughout the school holidays, which began on May 29. "Many viewers have shared that they've watched the film more than once and are excited to encourage other family members to join them for a fun holiday outing." This success also reflects a positive shift in the reception of local animated films, which are increasingly gaining popularity with the general public. The film's director, Usamah Zaid Yasin, commented, "We poured our hearts into creating this sequel to meet the expectations of loyal fans who have long awaited Ejen Ali's next mission." "Our aim wasn't just to make Malaysian animation competitive with international titles. The audience's reactions—their tears, laughter, and applause in the cinema—are the most precious gifts to us and truly encourage us to continue expanding the world of Ejen Ali's storytelling. "To all the agents who have watched it multiple times, thank you for your continued support of EATM2 in cinemas," he said. Meanwhile, Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios CEO, Nini Yusof, also expressed gratitude for the new record achieved. "We are incredibly grateful and touched by the overwhelming response to Ejen Ali The Movie 2. "This RM34.2 million collection is more than just a number; it symbolises the confidence of Malaysians in the quality of local animation productions and the efforts of our local talent. "Thank you for continuing to believe in Ejen Ali's mission," she said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Teman Sejati' marks as Nidji's first OST for animation film
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesian pop-rock band Nidji is honoured that their heartfelt single, 'Teman Sejati', has been chosen as the official soundtrack (OST) for 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2'. This marks their first-ever collaboration with an animated feature film. The song, from the band's latest album 'Manifestasi Hati' released earlier this year, was composed and written by Nidji's guitarist, Andi Ariel Harsya. It was originally penned in 2019, long before the band envisioned its future on the big screen. "Actually, the song had been written for quite some time, since 2019. So, when we were approached by the film production for the song to become an OST, we felt very honoured," said Andi when met at a press conference held at Balai Berita, here, today. He added, "When we recorded it, we never set a target for it to be chosen as an OST for any production, so this is beyond our expectations. It's really divine intervention." The track, with its stirring lyrics and soaring melody, perfectly complements the themes of friendship, courage, and resilience explored in the movie. Other band members — Yusuf Ubay, Randy Danishta, Ramadhista Akbar, Adri Perkasa, and Andro Regantoro — were also present at the event. Meanwhile, according to Azri Yunus, the film's score composer, music plays an equally vital role as the story itself in shaping a cinematic experience. "When a film is made, while 50 per cent of it is its story, the other half comes from its audio, including sound effects and music," he explained. "When I first heard this song from Nidji, it was a spot-on choice. From its lyrics to its melody, it's a perfect song as the film's OST." Azri, along with Usamah Zaid Yasin, founder of WAU Animation and creator of Ejen Ali, carefully integrated the song into the film by aligning it with pivotal scenes through detailed storyboard discussions. 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2', which premiered on May 22, sees Ali become the pilot for a high-stakes mission under Satria, an elite programme powered by an AI-assisted mecha suit. Once again set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, this time Ali's mission takes a darker turn when the renegade Ejen Rizwan enlists Ali's help to uncover the true mastermind behind escalating threats in Cyberaya.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Ejen Ali: The Movie 2's meet-and-greet thrills fans at Jom Heboh 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans of Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 flocked to a special meet-and-greet session at Karnival Jom Heboh 2025 to catch a glimpse of the voice actors and mascots of the popular animation. Shafiq Isa and Noorhayati Maslini Omar, who voice Ejen Bakar and Ejen Alicia, charmed the crowd with an interactive session and prize giveaways. Qayyim Zamani, who voices the villain Neonimus, joined the press sit-down afterwards. "Actually, I work at WAU Animation in the sound design department. "This was my first time doing voice acting. I received a lot of guidance from Mr Shafiq Isa," he said. Qayyim shared his own connection to the film, which first came out when he was 12 years old. "I grew up with Ejen Ali, so I'm grateful. It still feels hard to believe. It feels like a dream." "Many kids dislike Neonimus, so I'm happy," he added. Shafiq attributed the film's success to its brilliant timing, and dwelled on how many fans grew up with the series. "Some fans were eight years old when Season 1 came out, and by the time this movie was released, they were already 18 years old. That's amazing," he said. Noorhayati, who has been a voice actor for 20 years, reflected on the project's growth: "Ejen Ali was my first local animation project; the others were dubbing for foreign cartoons. "When I first auditioned, there was no one else—just five or four people. Now that it's a hit, when they open auditions, thousands come." One of the parents at the event was Zawani Zainal, 36, from Cheras, who brought her three children. "It happened to coincide with the school break, so I decided to bring my children here, and they've always been interested in Ejen Ali," she said. Zawani said she found out about the meet and greet through TV3. "Ejen Ali is a good animation because it promotes strong values, such as not giving up easily. That's the kind of message I want my children to take away," she said. Bahtiar Ab Rahman, who attended with his children, said: "My kids really enjoy Ejen Ali. I think the animation is appropriate for children. Personally, I haven't had the chance to watch the second movie yet." The event came as Ejen Ali: The Movie 2 continued to make waves at the box office, raking in RM21.9 million after just eight days in cinemas.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: ‘Ejen Ali 2' dominates local box office, marking another major win for Malaysian animation
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — It's not even surprising to see local animation Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria, by WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios, taking over the local box office and claiming the No. 1 spot. This sequel to the 2019 hit has been met with glowing reviews and praised for its strong storytelling — with some even calling it an upgrade over the first — marking yet another win for Malaysian animation. While Ejen Ali 2 settles comfortably at the top, don't overlook Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the final instalment in the iconic film series. Or, if you're in the mood for some childhood nostalgia, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is currently showing in cinemas as well. It's the final week of May, so why not wrap it up with a movie night, top streaming series, the latest hits on Spotify, or even a great book? Check out Malay Mail's top picks of the week for a weekend filled with entertainment! Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (May 22 to May 25) Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Lilo & Stitch Final Destination Bloodlines Blood Brothers: Bara Naga Ace Thunderbolts Gayong Maaman Devil's Double Next Level Source: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (May 19 to May 25) Netflix (Top 10 TV) Tastefully Yours: Limited Series Bet: Season 1 Dear Hongrang: Season 1 The Haunted Palace: Season 1 Resident Playbook: Limited Series Black Out: Season 1 Sirens: Limited Series The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far: Season 1 Secrets We Keep: Limited Series American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden: Season 1 Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) Pabila Dia Tersenyum Sugar Daddy The Haunted Palace Running Man (2025) Bidaah Pump Up the Healthy Love Crushology 101 Undercover High School Second Shot at Love Tiada Seperti Leyla Source: Viu Frontpage Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (May 21 to May 28) Jin - Don't Say You Love Me Fourtwnty - Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) JENNIE - like JENNIE sombr - back to friends yung kai - blue Nadhif Basalamah - bergema sampai selamanya Tenxi - Garam & Madu (Sakit Dadaku) (w/ Jemsii, Naykilla) Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Billie Eilish - BIRDS OF A FEATHER Lady Gaga - Die With A Smile (w/ Bruno Mars) Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (May 21 to May 28) Faris Adam - Stecu Stecu Ara Johari - Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Noh Salleh - Rahsia Tuhan Imran Ajmain - Seribu Tahun Lagi MikkyZia, F4dli - Aku Dah Lupa Nuh - Teruntuk Mia Tenxi - Garam & Madu (Sakit Dadaku) (w/ Jemsi, Naykilla) NAKI, Fahimi - Masa Dayang Nurfaizah, Faizal Tahir, Tuju, Yonnyboii - X Missing U Source: and Spotify Top Songs Malaysia, Spotify Carta Malaysia 50 Top 10 books of the week (May 16 to May 22) Fiction Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (Harper Perennial) King of Envy by Ana Huang (Bloom Books) Human Acts by Han Kang (Granta Books) Library of Lost Hearts by N.F. Afrina (N.F Afrina) Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum (Disney Hyperion) Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press) Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (Fourth Estate) The Tenant by Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen Press) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Bloomsbury) As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Bloomsbury) Non-Fiction Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) A Doctor in the House by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Publishing) Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) When I was a Kid 5 by Cheeming Boey (Grey Pigeon) I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail (apop books) When I Was a Kid 7 by Cheeming Boey (Grey Pigeon) Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles (Penguin Life) Second Takeoff by Liew Chin Tong (World Scientific Publishing) A Conversation With Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad by Perdana Leadership Foundation (Perdana Leadership Foundation) Once Upon a Miao (Remastered): I Love My Hometown by Jian Goh (Space Voyager) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Bukan Cinta Sempurna by Bellesa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Linda by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Ammar Zahrain: The Obsessive Husband by Nssignature (Idea Kreatif) Tuan Ziyad: Forbidden Love by Bellesa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Diosa by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Bayang Sofea by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Mi Veneno 1 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Source: MPH
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malay Mail's Top 10 Picks: ‘Ejen Ali 2' dominates local box office, marking another major win for Malaysian animation
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — It's not even surprising to see local animation Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria, by WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios, taking over the local box office and claiming the No. 1 spot. This sequel to the 2019 hit has been met with glowing reviews and praised for its strong storytelling — with some even calling it an upgrade over the first — marking yet another win for Malaysian animation. While Ejen Ali 2 settles comfortably at the top, don't overlook Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the final instalment in the iconic film series. Or, if you're in the mood for some childhood nostalgia, the live-action Lilo & Stitch is currently showing in cinemas as well. It's the final week of May, so why not wrap it up with a movie night, top streaming series, the latest hits on Spotify, or even a great book? Check out Malay Mail's top picks of the week for a weekend filled with entertainment! Top 10 films in local cinemas (Domestic & International) (May 22 to May 25) Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Lilo & Stitch Final Destination Bloodlines Blood Brothers: Bara Naga Ace Thunderbolts Gayong Maaman Devil's Double Next Level Source: and GSC Top 10 streaming on Netflix and Viu (May 19 to May 25) Netflix (Top 10 TV) Tastefully Yours: Limited Series Bet: Season 1 Dear Hongrang: Season 1 The Haunted Palace: Season 1 Resident Playbook: Limited Series Black Out: Season 1 Sirens: Limited Series The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far: Season 1 Secrets We Keep: Limited Series American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden: Season 1 Source: Netflix Top 10 Viu (Top 10 shows) Pabila Dia Tersenyum Sugar Daddy The Haunted Palace Running Man (2025) Bidaah Pump Up the Healthy Love Crushology 101 Undercover High School Second Shot at Love Tiada Seperti Leyla Source: Viu Frontpage Top 10 songs of the week (Spotify) (May 21 to May 28) Jin - Don't Say You Love Me Fourtwnty - Mangu (w/ Charita Utami) JENNIE - like JENNIE sombr - back to friends yung kai - blue Nadhif Basalamah - bergema sampai selamanya Tenxi - Garam & Madu (Sakit Dadaku) (w/ Jemsii, Naykilla) Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Billie Eilish - BIRDS OF A FEATHER Lady Gaga - Die With A Smile (w/ Bruno Mars) Top 10 Malay songs of the week (Spotify) (May 21 to May 28) Faris Adam - Stecu Stecu Ara Johari - Menjaga Jodoh Orang Lain Nadeera - Bukan Lagi Kita Noh Salleh - Rahsia Tuhan Imran Ajmain - Seribu Tahun Lagi MikkyZia, F4dli - Aku Dah Lupa Nuh - Teruntuk Mia Tenxi - Garam & Madu (Sakit Dadaku) (w/ Jemsi, Naykilla) NAKI, Fahimi - Masa Dayang Nurfaizah, Faizal Tahir, Tuju, Yonnyboii - X Missing U Source: and Spotify Top Songs Malaysia, Spotify Carta Malaysia 50 Top 10 books of the week (May 16 to May 22) Fiction Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa (Harper Perennial) King of Envy by Ana Huang (Bloom Books) Human Acts by Han Kang (Granta Books) Library of Lost Hearts by N.F. Afrina (N.F Afrina) Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum (Disney Hyperion) Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press) Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (Fourth Estate) The Tenant by Freida McFadden (Poisoned Pen Press) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum (Bloomsbury) As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Bloomsbury) Non-Fiction Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson (St. Martin's Essentials) A Doctor in the House by Mahathir Mohamad (MPH Publishing) Atomic Habits by James Clear (Penguin Books) When I was a Kid 5 by Cheeming Boey (Grey Pigeon) I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail (apop books) When I Was a Kid 7 by Cheeming Boey (Grey Pigeon) Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles (Penguin Life) Second Takeoff by Liew Chin Tong (World Scientific Publishing) A Conversation With Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad by Perdana Leadership Foundation (Perdana Leadership Foundation) Once Upon a Miao (Remastered): I Love My Hometown by Jian Goh (Space Voyager) Mutiara Minda (Malay Novels) Rahsia Danny by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Thariq Ridzuwan Commando's: His Treasure by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Bukan Cinta Sempurna by Bellesa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Linda by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Ammar Zahrain: The Obsessive Husband by Nssignature (Idea Kreatif) Tuan Ziyad: Forbidden Love by Bellesa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Veneno 2 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Mi Diosa by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Bayang Sofea by Teme Abdullah (Iman Publication) Mi Veneno 1 by Hudanajwa (Idea Kreatif) Source: MPH
