The cast of Abang Long Fadil 2 experienced many joys during the filming process
EVEN though Syafiq Yusof’s latest offering Abang Long Fadil 2 features a thrilling and humorous genre, the action comedy offered a deeper meaning to its main cast.
Leading man Zizan Razak felt he had become synonymous with the titular character when fans call him Abang Long. “I don’t think they know that I’m the youngest in my family,” the actor-comedian joked, referring to the older-brother form of address in the name.
“But it’s great to know that Fadil has his own following. The prequel did well at the box office, so I hope this one has a similar impact.”
Tania Hudson makes her return to acting in the film after a long break from show business.
“It’s naturally difficult to get back on track after so long, but it was Abang Long Fadil 2 that got the ball rolling, so I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” said the 31-year-old.
Also thankful is fashion personality Wak Doyok who made his acting debut in the film. Having worked only in fashion and business, he had doubts about his acting abilities.
“I just wasn’t ready but Syafiq and the rest of the cast and crew had been very supportive and offered helpful guidance all the way,” said the fashionista.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth film by Syafiq that actor-director-songwriter Syamsul Yusof had starred in. The previous films are SAM: Saya Amat Mencintaimu (2012), Abang Long Fadil (2014) and Desolasi (2016). Up next is KL Special Force.
“Even though I’m a director myself, I enjoy working for my brother because this is one way to show my support,” said Syamsul.
“We’re both in the same production company anyway. If it doesn’t clash with my other projects, why not?”
The Abang Long Fadil sequel follows its titular character who is mistaken for the assassin Tiger. He is unwillingly dragged into the underworld by mafia leader Taji Samprit (A. Galak) and his son Wak Doyok (Wak Doyok).
Fadil’s first assignment is to murderTaji’s enemy King Kong (Datuk AC Mizal). Can he pull it off? And where is the real Tiger?
“Fadil wants to give up the gangster life but fate has different plans,” Zizan, 33, explained.
Tania plays Yana, Fadil’s love interest and a broadcast journalist assigned to cover Tiger’s case while Syamsul, 33, plays Inspector Wahab who is investigating the case.
The film, currently in cinemas, also stars Achey Bocey, Shuib Sepahtu and Mas Khan. Filming took place in 2015, while post-production took two years to complete.
“It’s understandable because as an art practitioner, Syafiq only wants the best for his projects,” said Zizan.
Abang Long Fadil 2 is also a collaboration between Skop Productions and Astro Shaw. “These are two giants in the entertainment industry, so those involved had to give extra effort to make the film work,” he added.
ALWAYS IMPROVING
Comparing this film to its prequel, Zizan, felt that Fadil is more matured and braver this time around. “Previously he’s all talk but not so much action. You saw his hesitance to fight but now he’s manned up.
“In the sequel, he has no choice but to fend for himself. And I’m glad because he finally lives up to the name Abang Long Fadil.”
Zizan sustained some injuries while filming the action sequences, but they’re only minor cuts, sprains and bruises.
“I think I’m already used to doing action stunts (after working on the film’s prequel and action thriller Polis Evo). I might look scrawny and weak to you, but hey, I’m not bad at throwing punches, okay?” the actor joked.
He added that filmmakers should give more chances to actors (“or comedians like me”) who are not necessarily buff to take on action roles.
Although he emerged in this industry as a comedian 10 years ago, Zizan now takes his acting career so seriously, especially since he aims to become a “film star”.
He always seeks new and diverse roles to present, a practice he learned from observing American actor Johnny Depp. Even though he had some successes, Zizan still worries about critics’ possible feedback.
“I read reviews of my films to correct my flaws. I’ll never take success for granted because as an actor, I know that I have to keep working hard and maintain my performance.”
Since Abang Long Fadil was well-received, Zizan felt the pressure in presenting its sequel.
“We haven’t had action comedies in a while, so I hope Abang Long Fadil 2 will be able to deliver both the thrills and laughs.” The actor added he hadn’t watched the film yet, but those who had, gave him positive reviews.
“One guy said that he felt happy and satisfied just like after he watched Polis Evo for the first time. That’s good to hear.”
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Apparently Syafiq had followed Wak Doyok on Instagram even before the latter became famous. The filmmaker knew then that he just had to collaborate with the fashion enthusiast.
And Syafiq admitted that he had to literally and unrelentingly beg for two years to get Wak Doyok on board. “It was hard to make a decision because my biggest concern was having people call me stiff,” Wak Doyok, whose real name is Mohd Azwan Md Nor, admitted. “I wanted to be well-prepared first.”
Coincidentally in 2015, the fashionista was looking to expand his career in showbiz. His former experience was only hosting TV9’s travelogue Ke Korea Ke Kita? Thus Wak Doyok, 37, finally agreed to Abang Long Fadil 2, but not without some “demands”.
“I requested to incorporate my own personality into the character that I play, and I want him to have the same stylish taste in fashion as mine,” Wak Doyok revealed with a laugh.
So thanks to the agreement, the character in the film looks exactly like how the fashionista does. He wore his own suits, and he had three spares for every outfit prepared.
“I also suggested that the film should have a smart James Bond look to it, so the mafia characters must all be decked in suits. Syafiq agreed to my ideas and using my knowledge in fashion, I offered advice on the wardrobe department.”
Nevertheless, Wak Doyok added that he still would have accepted the job if the director hadn’t agreed to his requests, simply because he found Abang Long Fadil 2’s storyline unique.
“I also liked Syafiq’s directing style. He takes others’ suggestions into consideration and makes the adjustments accordingly,” he commented.
Gearing up for filming, Wak Doyok had also watched videos on how to act and fight. He had even trained in the martial arts of Wing Chun — he was also given the liberty to choose his own fighting techniques — for the film.
Wak Doyok also incorporated another of his abilities — speaking with a Javanese accent, which he also taught A. Galak for the film.
Everything was going well except when it came to memorising the script.
“For one scene, the script was six paragraphs long. I went blank. We had to film the scene bit by bit and I dubbed in my voice later,” he revealed sheepishly.
Initially, Wak Doyok thought this would be his first and last time acting, especially since he didn’t favour the long hours involved in making a film.
Nevertheless, he didn’t regret saying yes. “Starring in the movie was a gamble, but I made sure to work my hardest.
“My social media followers said they doubted my acting skills, so I’m eager for them to see the film.”
A SECOND CHANCE
Since Tania was offered the role at the last minute, she said she barely had time to do research on the role.
As the sole female cast member, Tania had to roll with the punches and become one of the boys.
“I didn’t have to do any fighting, but it was thrilling to act in scenes involving plenty of explosions.”
Abang Long Fadil 2 is Tania’s third film, after Balistik and Paradoks. She had also starred in various TV series including Mayang Mengurai, Tiramisu and Encik Suami Mat Salih Celup.
Tania is aware that the industry has a bigger talent pool these days, which makes re-entering it even tougher. However, she said that her participation in Abang Long Fadil had lifted her spirits and increased her confidence.
“Even though it was only one film, I learnt a lot from working under Syafiq’s direction. It had been a blessing because he had imparted lots of knowledge. Besides, I think all actors would want to work with Skop Productions. Its products have been incredible so far, so it’d be a huge waste if I decline the offer.”
After Abang Long Fadil 2, which she considers her second chance at becoming active in the acting industry, Tania is set to star in Syafiq’s next film KL Special Force.
SERIOUS AND MYSTERIOUS
Syamsul reminded fans that even though Wahab is with the police force, he seems to have an ulterior motive. “Be sure to look out for his suspicious actions,” said the star.
Shuib plays his sidekick, and Syamsul said he had great chemistry with the comedian. “Between the two of us, he’s the one executing the comedic elements, so there’s
a good balance.
“Since I’m used to acting in serious films, I told Syafiq that I preferred that my character’s humour comes naturally instead of us resorting to the slapstick kind.”
The Abang Long Fadil series is a spinoff to Syamsul’s own action flick KL Gangster, in which Syamsul plays the character Shark. He also played the same character in the first Abang Long Fadil film.
“I don’t think it matters if I play a different character in Abang Long Fadil 2 even though both roles are still in the same KL Gangster universe.
“Maybe in Abang Long Fadil 3, Aaron Aziz (who starred in both the first instalment and the KL Gangster franchise) can play a different character. I’m sure the audience will get a kick out of that.”
THE MUSIC
Syamsul was roped in to come up with a theme song for the film, since Zizan and AC who were first approached, were tied to other commitments. “It was no problem at all for me, since I consider making music therapeutic,” said Syamsul.
The track he produced is titled Senorita, which he performed with AC and Shuib. And looking at the result, Zizan felt excited to contribute as well.
The actor later sat down with singers Viral and Lawa Nie Geng, who agreed to help him produce the track called Kaki Licik, using his original concept.
“I never knew making a song could be so difficult, but giving me the biggest pressure was (Syafiq’s father) Datuk Yusof Haslam himself,” Zizan moaned jokingly. “He kept asking to listen even though it wasn’t finished yet. When it was finally done, I sent it to him even though Syafiq said to wait, knowing how finicky his father is.
“Thankfully Datuk gave me a thumbs-up. What a relief!”
Making the song is part of Zizan’s effort to become a film director. “I think it’s important to start small and I must learn all aspects of filmmaking too.”
Cover picture by
Nur Adibah Ahmad Izam and Mahzir Mat Isa