KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong A-list actor Louis Koo Tin-Lok is headlining Hong Kong film company One Cool Film's newest film, Behind The Shadows, marking his return to Malaysia after seven years.
Behind The Shadows, a co-production with Malaysian film company Filmforce Studio, boasts a star-studded cast that also includes Hong Kong and Taiwanese stars Chrissie Chau, two-time Golden Horse Best Supporting Actor Liu Kuan-Ting, Raymond Wong, Renci Yeung and Eddie Cheung, plus Malaysian talents Yumi Wong, Auguste Kwan and YouTuber Phei Yong.
The action thriller involves more than 100 Malaysian actors and crew members, and filming is happening in the federal capital's heart.
Koo, who is in town to promote the film, said it told the story of an inexperienced private detective who had to deal with actual crime and an unpredictable, murderous stalker.
"I play the detective who is estranged from his wife, and while investigating an adultery case, he is threatened by the very person he investigates," said Koo at the launch of the film in EQ Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail today.
Koo last visited the federal capital in 2016 to promote his action film, Line Walker.
Chrissie, who plays Koo's wife, said that she filmed in Ipoh last year and was delighted to visit the "clean and green" hometown of Oscar-winner Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.
Liu said he encouraged his fellow Taiwanese stars to film in Malaysia as the country had many "hidden gems" that added colour to their projects.
Renci said she had filmed some dramas in Malaysia over the last few years and loved the warmth and support of Malaysian fans.
Raymond said it was his fourth time filming in Malaysia, and the country brought him many fond memories in his two-decade film career.
Yumi said she enjoyed starring in action films and welcomed Koo's return to Malaysia.
"It's great to see Louis again after the lockdown. He is hugely popular in Malaysia, and here's hoping he will star in more films in KL."
Phei said: "This is my second movie, and it is a great honour to act with Louis, one of my favourite actors."
The film is co-directed by Jonathan Li and Chou Man-Yu, with Cheang Pou-Sui as the producer.
Li said: "Filming began last week and is mainly in the Klang Valley, and we are scheduled to complete it by the end of next month."
Chou said: "We want to use Malaysia as a base to launch movie projects in Southeast Asia."
Behind The Shadows is expected to premiere in Hong Kong and Malaysia next year.