MALAYSIA'S "heaviest" vampire is haunting the big screen, and she is played by a first-timer with an interesting journey to share.
Aya Amiruddin, a 27-year-old social media influencer, singer, cafe owner, and self-described "fun-loving girl", is making a splash on the big screen in her acting debut, the horror-comedy 'Pontianak 200kg'.
This Malaysian-Nigerian actress brings a unique perspective to the film, playing one of two "plus-sized" vampires who are more frightening in appearance than in action.
The film, which premiered on Sept 5 in 75 cinemas across Malaysia and Brunei, is a sequel to the popular telemovie 'Pontianak 100kg'.
APPETITE
At the recent press preview of the movie at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Aya said she was grateful to its co-producers Primeworks Studios and Metrowealth for offering her the lead role of Melati, a vampire with a big appetite but fortunately, does not feast on human blood.
"I'm so honoured to end up as the protagonist of a horror-comedy in my very first cinematic role.
"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank 'Pontianak 200kg's' producers Nini Yusof and David Teo for believing in me.
"I will always remember you as my number one sifus in film," said Aya, whose real name is Fidya Natasha Amiruddin.
SPORTY
As a schoolgirl in Kuala Lumpur, Aya was initially shunned by her fellow primary school students, but her friendliness and sporty ways gradually won them over.
"At first, many of my school mates thought I was an African-American who lost her way in Malaysia!
"At first I cried, but I'm happy that I had good teachers and good friends who encouraged me to be myself and show those detractors that I was just like everyone else, only kinder and more compassionate," said Aya.
ACHOK
Aya had her big break on the small screen as a participant of the comedy reality show 'Muzikal Lawak Superstar's' third season in 2022.
In that show, she was part of the comedy group Ngam with established funnymen Achok and Wan.
Aya is honoured to share the silver screen with her pop idol Ziana Zain in 'Pontianak 200kg'.
"Best of all, I get to spar with Kak Ziana as she is the diabolical vampire whom I have to confront to save the village of Kampung Terbalik, where all her victims live," she said.
PASSION
Dottie, who plays Aya's twin sister, praised Aya for her "dedication and passion" as a new actress.
"She is simply the best person I've teamed up with as a co-star. Both of us enjoyed every moment on the set."
Ziana, who plays the evil vampire Kemboja, said Aya could go far as a comedienne and all-round entertainer.
"She works very hard to master her character and she gets along great with everyone. I'm honoured to work with Aya, and I wish her all the best in her career."
TONTON
Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios chief executive officer Nini said 'Pontianak 200kg' was the sequel to the popular telemovie 'Pontianak 100kg' which was a hit with Tonton viewers last year.
Nini added that the movie directed by Shuhaimi Lua featured a strong cast of established as well as new actors and actresses.
Besides Aya, Dottie and Ziana, the cast includes Ropie, Niezam Zaidi, Wanns Ahmad, Malia Baby, Shaf Naufas and Apich Lo.
SLEEP
"The film tells the story of Kampung Terbalik which faces a vampire attack.
"Its headman, Akad, believes that vampires Melati and Mewangi are the culprits whose bites have put dozens of villagers into a deep sleep."
Shuhaimi said filming took place over a month early this year in Ijok, Kuala Selangor.
"This small town was chosen because it has lots of villages that are lush and green, and appear creepy at night.
"The setting is ideal for a vampire movie, as the trees provide the vampires with lots of room to float and fly."
Teo said: "This film is proof of our commitment to continue serving high quality content for families. We hope 'Pontianak 200kg' will get a warm welcome in cinemas."