KUALA LUMPUR: While most production houses construct replica buildings for their film scenes, the producers of upcoming film Nyonya Ronggeng ups a notch — constructing a genuine mansion with all the Peranakan finishings and trimmings.
Setting the producers back to the tune of RM2.8 million, the grand structure however is crucial to serve as the main setting for the film.
“The house is located in Jalan Inai in the city’s Golden Triangle, and it is now 70 per cent completed. A big portion of the amount is actually for the antique furniture which will be sourced from places like Melaka and Penang,” said co-producer ZLK Production’s Datuk Seri Dr K.C. Lee, at the film’s pre-launch at the Ritz-Carlton, here yesterday.
Construction work began a couple of months ago.
Lee said the total cost for the film that highlighted the Straits Chinese culture, was RM6 million.
Once the film is released, he hopes to turn the mansion into a gallery of sorts, with an F&B outlet serving Nyonya delicacies.
“Located in a strategic location, I hope that it will be another place of interest for tourists as well as the locals. Perhaps this can be the place for those keen to take a peek into what a Peranakan house looks like,” said Lee who has been operating a travel agency for the past 20 years.
Filmmaker Raja Mukhriz Raja Ahmad Kamaruddin has been given the responsibility to helm the film which sees YingLi Tan who was Miss Malaysia Queen of Tourism 1996, and Steve Yap in leading roles.
Nyonya Ronggeng, a period drama which chronicles the life and sacrifices of a ronggeng dancer from a Peranakan background named Rose, is expected to begin filming in September.