Hollywood heavyweights will be involved in the production of Kilat: The Tale Of Silat, writes Nur Aqidah Azizi
IT’S a dream team. With some of Hollywood’s biggest names behind it, Tarantella Picture’s new film, Kilat: The Tale Of Silat, looks promising.
There is Ian Bailie, who has worked on films such as Atonement, Pride & Prejudice and Reign Of Fire. There is Takamatsu Ogawa, who has composed music for motion pictures such as Back To The Future and Gothika.
There’s also Jack Waltzer, who has coached many of America’s heavyweight names such as Dustin Hoffman and Roman Polanski. With their involvement, Kilat is set to be a hit on the international stage.
If the hype surrounding the film at the recent 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival recently is anything to go by, it is safe to say that the film is already making waves. Many countries have shown an interest in the film and plans for global distributions are already in the pipeline.
Currently in pre-production, Kilat will be co-produced and distributed worldwide by US-based producer, Medient Corp.
Its director, Sharad Sharan, says the idea to make the film came about after a casual conversation with his friend, Jak Othman, a martial artist, particularly in silat harimau berantai.
Sharad says: “We talked about the possibility of highlighting a Malay martial art form on the international stage. We came up with the idea for Kilat and started working on it.”
He also did some research on silat to find out more about the traditional martial arts.
“Silat is a beautiful martial art form. There’s a philosophy in every move and disciplines that one must follow. As I learn more, I am falling in love with it,” he says.
Kilat needed a strong storyline and for that, Amritaansh Sharan was brought in as screenwriter for the movie.
“He did his own research on silat, talking to various people, including Jak. It is not easy to fully understand silat and it has taken some time for him to really grasp the whole concept of the martial art before coming out with a storyline to complement it. He has done a good job,” says Sharad.
While silat is the main theme, Kilat is also heavy with human interest elements. “The story is relatable. It’s not just an action movie. It also has all the right ingredients for a good drama that will tug at viewers’ heartstrings,” he adds.
“We hope Kilat will penetrate the international market and make Malaysia a major player. It is very challenging but we are confident that a good and strong storyline is the key.”
Kilat is about brotherhood, faith and revenge. The US$4 million (RM12.8 million) project will begin filming in October. However, the cast members have yet to be finalised.
Tarantella Pictures’ Renu Sharan, who is the producer of Kilat, says although the movie is produced with the aim to penetrate the global market, local talents are not forgotten.
“We have so much talent in this country, especially in films. The involvement of some top names in Hollywood is definitely a bonus for us. We also see the collaboration as an opportunity for our local production members to learn from them,” she says.
Filming will be done entirely in Malaysia. This is another effort to showcase the country to the world. “We want people outside of Malaysia to know more about our country and to fall in love with it as we have so much to offer. For one, the landscape of this country is beautiful,” says Renu.
“Kilat is custom-made especially for the global market. If it makes a killing at the local box office, it will be a bonus, but that’s not our goal for this film,” Sharad says with a smile.
BROADENING HORIZON
Early this year, Tarantella collaborated with Hollywood producer, Gary Levinsohn — a blockbuster producer best known for producing Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot, Twelve Monkeys and the recent Jack Reacher.
The collaboration resulted in the establishment of LS Media, which is responsible for producing films and television shows for worldwide markets.
“It’s a great honour to work with Levinsohn as the talented producer shares a similar vision. I hope this collaboration will help the development of local industry,” says Sharad.
Tarantella has also signed a deal with Medient, a Georgia-based production company, to create a content and distribution pipeline.
Medient is known for producing and financing more than 250 movies and has a strong regional presence in North America, Europe and India. Tarantella and Medient will jointly develop, finance, produce and distribute content for the Chinese and other Far East Asian markets.
Medient will also be responsible for distributing Kilat to the global market, while Tarantella will act as the Southeast Asian distribution arm for Atlas International Film GmbH, which Medient has acquired this year.
“We have so many plans ahead of us and we are taking it one at a time. Hopefully, these collaborations will open more doors and opportunities for our local products internationally,” says Sharad.
LOCAL RELEASES
Sharad, who also directed all three instalments of the Lagenda Budak Setan films, says they are full of emotions. The trilogy is based on Ahadiat Akashah’s novels of the same name. Lagenda Budak Setan I and II were blockbuster hits. Lagenda Budak Setan 3, which will maintain actor Farid Kamil and actress Maya Karin in the lead roles, will hit cinemas nationwide on Sept 11.
“Make sure you bring lots of tissue paper along when you go watch it,” says Sharad. “Fans have seen how their love story began in the second part of the movie. A lot of things will happen this time, and all will be answered.”
Yuna is performing the theme song for Lagenda Budak Setan 3. “She composed and wrote the theme song for the film. I am excited and honoured because Lagenda Budak Setan 3 marks her debut involvement in songwriting for a local movie. That fact alone makes me proud,” says Sharad, adding that the singer, based in Los Angeles, composed two songs for the movie, Lautan and Bicara.
“Wait until you hear the theme song. It will definitely evoke your emotions. It’s a perfect complement to the whole story of Lagenda Budak Setan 3,” he says.