SET to premiere in cinemas on 19 June, ‘Mencari Ramlee’ is not a heavy or historical film, but rather a fictional tale inspired by the legacy of Malaysia’s legendary artiste, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
The film’s director and actor, Megat Sharizal Mohamed Yusoff, said the story was crafted to be accessible and entertaining, while serving as a spark for Generation Alpha to rediscover the nation’s iconic cultural figure.
“People often gravitate toward horror or action films, but don’t be afraid to watch ‘Mencari Ramlee’,” he said at the film’s recent premiere.
“This film is entertaining, but more importantly, it carries a message aimed at younger generations—to recognise who P. Ramlee was. Many Gen Alpha today are unfamiliar with him. Maybe this film can be the catalyst for them to revisit his work, and at the same time, appreciate the artistic talent that came after him.”
He urged Malaysian cinema-goers, especially younger audiences and fans of Malay films, to support the release during its critical opening window.
“Under the Compulsory Screening Scheme, each cinema needs at least 15 per cent seat occupancy within the first three days, or the film risks being pulled,” he explained.
Though he admitted to feeling nervous about audience reactions, Megat Sharizal remains optimistic about the film’s prospects, pointing to the success of modest-budget films like ‘Imaginur’ and ‘Babah’.
As an independent filmmaker, he also acknowledged funding challenges had delayed *Mencari Ramlee* for two years. He expressed gratitude for the RM1 million Digital Content Fund (DKD) from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), which enabled him to complete the project and secure a theatrical release.
Set the day after P. Ramlee’s death on 30 May 1973, the film tells the story of Zakaria, played by Tony Eusoff, a struggling P. Ramlee impersonator in financial distress due to the declining popularity of the legend’s works.
In desperation, Zakaria agrees to impersonate the beloved actor to bring joy to Zaiton (Datin Sofia Jane), a woman suffering from amnesia who believes he is the real P. Ramlee. The ruse is encouraged by her brother Yusuf (played by Megat Sharizal), a mafia figure to whom Zakaria owes money.
The film, produced by Playground Film Sdn Bhd, also stars Mimi Lana as Yasmin, Han Zalini as Salleh, Abi Madyan as Joned, with cameo appearances by Azhan Rani, Beto Kusyairy, Amerul Affendi, Bront Palarae, Sharifah Amani, Vanidah Imran, and P. Ramlee’s own granddaughter, Najua. - June 16, 2025
