CELEBRITY preacher Datuk Mohd Kazim Elias tells the story of his "black magic attack" in the comedy-drama 'Zim Zim Ala Kazim', which opens in cinemas today.
Ustaz Kazim said that even though many people knew about his illness several years ago that was caused by black magic, the new film directed by singer, actor and radio announcer Asmawi Ani or Mawi delves deeper and reveals more about his ordeal.
EYE-OPENING ORDEAL
"It is meant to be an eye-opening story about how people suffer from black magic curses, which result in severe illnesses that doctors cannot diagnose," said Ustaz Kazim at the press preview of 'Zim Zim Ala Kazim' in Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), The Starling Mall, Damansara Utama in Petaling Jaya recently.
STAUNCH FAN PRODUCTION
Ustaz Kazim thanked Mawi for saying "yes" to the new film, as the former Akademi Fantasia 3 winner and star of films like 'Jin Notti', 'Magika' and 'Munafik 2' was a close friend and staunch fan of his.
"The film zooms in on what I went through. I am sure many people have suffered as much as I did, and this movie is dedicated to them as well," said Ustaz Kazim.
SPICED-UP STORY
Even though 'Zim Zim Ala Kazim' is not 100 per cent based on facts, and Mawi has added several fictitious characters to spice up the story, Ustaz Kazim insists that the gist of the movie is true.
He said that the show provides guidance to viewers on what they must do when they fall victim to black magic brought on by a vindictive individual.
He said they must not only seek the help of spiritual healers, but also watch what they say, to avoid making others angry and vengeful.
FACTUAL CLAIM
The film produced by Mawi World Entertainment Sdn Bhd also stars Mawi, Bell Ngasri, Anas Tahir, Shanthesh Kumar, Elvina Chua, Man Raja Lawak, Maimunah Ahmad, Azman Naim, Iqram Dinzly, Ryan Bakery, Rosnah Johari, Syanie Hisham and Zarina Anjoulie.
Besides telling the story of Ustaz Kazim's battle with illness, the film — which is said to be 80 per cent factual — also tells the story of how four ghost hunters discovered that Ustaz Kazim's life is in danger and decide to save him.
VENGEFUL SPIRIT
Mawi said that he has always been a fan of Ustaz Kazim and his motivational talks.
"I too was afflicted by black magic during the first decade of my singing career that caused me to vomit blood," said Mawi.
"We have both been cursed by vengeful people, that is why I have decided to support Ustaz Kazim and tell his story."
HUMBLE FRIEND
Mawi thanked Ustaz Kazim for openly sharing his plight, and described the celebrity preacher as a "true friend of the people".
"Ustaz Kazim was humble and friendly throughout the filming of 'Zim Zim Ala Kazim'.
"Even though he is not experienced as an actor, he readily took orders from me as director, it was a breeze working with him."
NO CUTS
Mawi is glad that the Film Censorship Board (LPF) did not cut any scene in the RM600,000 production, which was mostly shot at Ustaz Kazim's house in Manjoi, Ipoh, Perak.
Filming took place over 15 days in early 2022 and it was supposed to be screened on Astro First during Maulidur Rasul that year.
However, the television station suggested to Mawi that it would be better to have the film screened in cinemas.
KAFE DUKE
Ustaz Kazim said while the new movie marks his big screen debut, he has also starred in his own sitcom 'Kafe Duke', besides the late director Mamat Khalid's Ramadan television comedy series '18 Puasa' and 'Lempeng', a comedy-drama which will be screened on TV1 during Hari Raya Aidiladha.
"Mawi and I are willing to accept sound and constructive criticism from viewers.
"Our new movie may not be a 'blockbuster' but we aim to educate viewers as well as entertain them, by combining horror, crime and comedy in a colourful, 90-minute story," he said.