Film

Anwar Ibrahim biopic to be released in cinemas nationwide on May 11

The feature-length movie stars Farid Kamil as Anwar and Hasnul Rahmat as Dr Mahathir Mohammad

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 01 Mar 2023 7:00PM

Anwar Ibrahim biopic to be released in cinemas nationwide on May 11 — Hasnul Rahmat (left) plays Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, opposite Farid Kamil as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Bianglala Entertainment pic, March 1, 2023

by Kalash Nanda Kumar

THE highly anticipated biopic about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to be released nationwide on May 11.

Anwar: The Untold Story is being produced by Bianglala Entertainment and distributed by Rakyat Media Sdn Bhd.

It follows the story of Anwar's fight against corruption while in government between the years of 1993 and 1998, which led to his eventual imprisonment and the birth of the reformasi movement.

The red-carpet gala premiere will be held on May 8 at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and is set to be a big event with Anwar in attendance to deliver a speech during its opening.

Rakyat Media Sdn Bhd managing director Kaymie Tan (left) and producer Zunar officiating the launch, as lead actors Farid Kamil (blue suit) and Hasnul Rahmat (green suit) look on. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic

Before the nationwide release, a charity banquet showcasing Malaysia's cultural heritage will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre on May 10.

The movie is being directed by Indonesian filmmaker Viva Westi and stars Farid Kamil and Hasnul Rahmat as Anwar and Dr Mahathir Mohamad, respectively.

Supporting actors Acha Septriasa will be playing Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, with Piet Pagau and Dewi Irawan as Anwar’s parents. The official poster and a first-look teaser were screened at the media launch today.

The teasers, both 60 seconds long, include scenes of Anwar being arrested by the police, saying goodbye to Dr Wan Azizah and his children and giving a fiery speech to chants of reformasi.

Anwar: The Untold Story, starring Farid Kamil, is expected to be screened in over 100 cinemas across the country. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic

Zunar and the cast with the official poster at today's media launch. – AZIM RAHMAN/ The Vibes pic

Political cartoonist and activist, Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, more popularly known as Zunar, is one of the producers behind the movie.

“I have been trying to develop this movie over the past 12 years,” he said in a previous interview with The Vibes.

For Zunar, who has never been involved in any movie or television productions before this, the project is deeply personal. “I have known Anwar personally since 1998. He has gone through hell and back.

"He is a ‘martyr’ of a system that is built on corruption. I felt the suffering and pains he and his family had to endure due to falsehoods. I promised myself, and to him, that I would help him whenever the opportunity arises. I am happy I can fulfil that promise through this movie,” he said.

Set between 1993 and 1998, 'Anwar: The Untold Story' documents the turbulent political situation of the era. – Pic courtesy of Bianglala Entertainment

As the distributor, Rakyat Media Sdn Bhd will spearhead the movie's promotion and marketing.

It is expected to be screened in over 100 cinemas across the country and the producers are hoping that the movie will fetch upwards of RM100 million at the box office, a record now held by Syamsul Yusof’s Mat Kilau.

Rakyat Media is also pushing for a release beyond Malaysian shores in Singapore, Brunei and more.

In the lead-up to its theatrical release, a series of promotional events will be held, beginning with the Suara Raya concert which will feature performances from singers Ning Baizura, Aina Abdul and Ernie Zakri with Dr Wan Azizah making an appearance as a special guest on April 28 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. – The Vibes, March 1, 2023