THE director of blockbuster film Polis Evo, Ghaz Abu Bakar, plans to have actress Izara Aishah star as one of the leaders of an anti-corruption squad in a new television series, Banteras.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is the series’ co-producer with Fantasy Film Sdn Bhd. It will also star Malaysian Film Festival 2017 Best Actress award winner Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Best Actor award winner Namron, and Anugerah Skrin 2017 Best Film Actor award winner Khir Rahman.
“I’ll begin filming the series late January, and it will have 16 episodes.
“The filming will take three months, and there’ll be well-known guest stars from time to time,” said Ghaz, at a press preview of his new telemovie, Baby Bro!, in Kuala Lumpur recenlty.
Ghaz wants Izara for Banteras because he loved her portrayal of a dedicated police officer in action film J Revolusi.
“Viewers may like her in romantic roles, but she’s done great as an action hero, so here’s another chance for her to play one.”
He said Banteras, like J Revolusi, did not contain elements of romance, and was modelled after British and American crime dramas, as well as the long-running local police drama Gerak Khas.
“It’s pure crime-busting, with characters who are serious — it is pretty old school,” said Ghaz, who will film the series for Astro Ria, around Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
It is expected to air in conjunction with Malaysia’s 61st National Day celebrations next year.
He added: “MACC will guide us by highlighting criminal cases it tackled over the years. The actors will have meetings and workshops with the commission’s officers to get a better understanding of how its enforcement team works.”
Each episode will highlight a different crime, and real-life MACC officers will make cameo appearances, to make Banteras realistic.
Ghaz said would take five or six days to film a single episode.
“Izara’s character will be an idealist who joined MACC as a result of an unfortunate incident, which befell her family. Sangeeta’s character is equally an iron lady and a law graduate.”
“As for Namron, he is MACC deputy commissioner, while Khir is a senior superintendent — I’m giving the series strong female leads because it’s time for them to shine.”