#Showbiz: 'Leftenan Zana' chalks up 25.5mil viewers

KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Janna Nick’s most challenging drama series Leftenan Zana has raked in 25.5 million viewers.

Media Prima Television Networks general manager for brand management and programming (TV3 and TV9) Siti Nurlisia Mohd Nazri said that viewers watched the 16-episode drama on television as well as digital platforms.

“We received the figures from Neilsen Audience Measurement. A total of 11.5 milion watched it on TV, from the first episode on Feb 8 to the last on March 15," she said.

“The final episode was watched by 4 million TV3 viewers, and better still YouTube TV3Malaysia and Drama Sangat Official had 14 million views for the whole series.”

Siti Nurlisia also said Leftenan Zana’s success was proof that viewers appreciated good storytelling, that focused on “stories less told” such as women in the Armed Forces.

She admitted that rumours of a “rift” between Janna and producer Sheila Rusly, who had a supporting role in the drama, helped boost its numbers.

“Controversy may have helped sell it, but most viewers no doubt love a good story. And that’s why Leftenan Zana did so well.”

She added that it was also proof that TV3 viewers did not merely enjoy run-of-the-mill romantic dramas or comedies.

“We want to thank all viewers for their support, and we hope to screen more inspiring stories based on real-life success stories, especially career women.”

In Leftenan Zana, 24-year-old Janna plays the pampered daughter of an army officer who dreams of following her father’s footsteps.

On Feb 20, Janna revealed that to prepare for her role, she spent a month of “nightmarish” military training at an army camp in Port Dickson.

However, she thanked Leftenan Zana’s director Azman Yahya for having “lots of faith” in her, and motivating her to not give up.

The stellar work of actor Hairul Azreen who played a navy commander in the film Paskal last year fired Janna up to endure the training.

She admitted that the training toughened her up and made her realise that the Malaysian soldiers were unsung heroes who deserved to be better appreciated.

Leftenan Zana which also starred Tunku Hanis was screened at 9pm from Wednesdays to Fridays.

It is produced by JS Pictures Sdn Bhd.