KUALA LUMPUR: Syamsul Yusof is popular, not only for on-screen performances, but also for his work behind the camera.
He has won Best Director more than five times in local and international film awards, and audiences often associate "explosive" crime dramas with his deft filmmaking.
Since Syamsul usually directs his films, fans tend to mistake him as the director of his latest projects in town - Makrifat Cinta, which will be screened on Feb 1, is no exception.
"No, I'm not the director this time - that's Kamal G," said Syamsul in a recent interview with mStar Online.
However, the 33-year-old actor admitted he also advised Kamal, and they frequently shared ideas about the storyline and action scenes of Makrifat Cinta, which was filmed late last year.
"Kamal is a fan of Skop Productions' films and television series, particularly KL Gangster and Gerak Khas. As a result, he sought my opinions on improving the script and action scenes - this, perhaps, explains why some people think it's a Skop project!"
Makrifat Cinta is Kamal's first film and it was shot in a month around the Klang Valley.
It tells the story of a self-made millionaire played by Syamsul, and the challenges he faces from unscrupulous individuals who want to destroy his business empire.
"My character is based on a real-life tycoon who rose from humble beginnings, and happens to be a friend of the director," said Syamsul, adding that it was his first "towkay" role.
Besides Syamsul, the film produced by Dhananwood Films, also stars Nabila Huda Suhaimi, Nora Danish, Adi Putra, Datuk Aznil Nawawi, Sabrina Ali and Puteri Balqis Azizi.