KUALA LUMPUR: Director Nam Ron’s gritty new film Crossroads: One Two Jaga has just begun screening in cinemas, but on its first night hardly anyone turned up.
Frustrated by the lack of actual support for his anti-corruption story, despite hundreds of well-wishes in social media, the actor-director expressed his deep frustration on Twitter.
He jestfully tweeted today that he “might as well make blue films” since intelligent stories do not appeal to viewers.
“Despite social media support and compulsory screening, the cinema halls are so empty. Looks like sweet talk on social media is deceiving.
“Honestly, I don’t make films to get praised by fans, my aim is to get viewers to watch it in cinemas.
“One Two Jaga is a straightforward film and even school children can understand its story,” he said.
“I’m all right making a light-hearted film and sharing it with viewers, but if they still don’t like it, looks like I may have to make a blue film after all.”
“And that will make me the country’s pioneering porn filmmaker!”
Netizens sympathised with Nam Ron, who has a cameo role in his new movie. However some of them reasoned that he should give viewers a bit more time as they were probably busy with work.
Crossroads: One Two Jaga focuses on courageous police officers who expose their corrupt superiors. It stars Zahiril Adzim, Amerul Affendi and Indonesian actors Ario Bayu and Asmara Abigail.
It was nominated for Best Feature Film at the 17th Asian Film Festival in New York (NYAFF) on June 29.
Last April, the film was screened at the 20th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy.