WITH the release of its official poster just a few days ago, excitement is high for this retelling of the Mat Kilau story, which will reach audiences next month.
Produced by Studio Kembara, with a production budget of RM8 million, with a shooting schedule of 100 days in several locations, namely Perak, Pahang, Melaka and Selangor, tells an epic story of resistance against foreign powers.
“We hope the entire Malaysian community watches this film and is entertained.
“This film directed by Syamsul Yusof will take us back to that era, to feel the hardship, courage, sacrifice and heroic spirit that exists in fighting for our homeland. This is a very inspiring history," said producer Shahruddin Dali.
Mat Kilau intends to not just tell an entertaining story, but to also share the greatness and identity of the hero who stood up for the nation to the current generation who might not be aware of who he is.
Datuk Adi Putra, has been given the responsibility of playing the titular Mat Kilau, or Mat Kilau Imam Rasu. He is backed by a cast of established actors, such as Wan Hanafi Su as Mat Kilau's father, Tok Gajah, Beto Kusyairy (Wahid), Khir Rahman (Usup), Fattah Amin (Awang), Johan As'ari (Yassin) and Indonesian action star Yayan Ruhian as Toga.
The rest of the cast is made up of the country's best actors and actresses such as Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, Datuk Rahim Razali, Namron, Shaharuddin Thamby, and Ellie Suriaty.
The film tells the story of Malay warrior Mat Kilau with his father Tok Gajah and his friends, who rose up against the British colonisers.
Mat Kilau was born in 1892 when the British colonialists were occupying lands in Pahang. The British harvested the fruits of Pahang's land which belonged to the Malays, as well interfering in their customs and religious affairs.
In response to these transgressions by the British, Mat Kilau, Tok Gajah and his friends rose up.
Mat Kilau and Tok Gajah’s ingenious resistance caused the British to suffer losses until a fierce battle ensued.
This action film aims to show the sacrifice, courage, and unity of Malay warriors to liberate their beloved homeland.
The official poster for Mat Kilau has been available since May 13, while the official trailer will be released to the public on June 16. The film will then premiere in 90 cinemas nationwide on June 23. – The Vibes, May 18, 2022
* This story originally appeared in our Malay language sister portal Getaran
