KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) — Young film directors transitioning from digital platforms to the silver screen are now playing a key role in raising the quality of local Tamil cinema, said National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
According to him, the new generation of creators has demonstrated the ability to deliver fresh, high-quality stories – an encouraging sign of positive development within the local film industry.
“The film I watched recently, Mirugasirisham, showcases the kind of quality often seen in works by first-time filmmakers. These are people who started out creating content for social media and YouTube, and now they’re making films – and the results are truly impressive,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Azmir Saifuddin also expressed his admiration for the film’s strong storytelling, direction, and performances, noting that it was all the more impressive considering it was produced by newcomers to the industry.
“I was also pleasantly surprised by the storytelling, direction, and acting from this newcomer. The quality is on par with Tamil films from India.
“The problem is that this film hasn’t been widely promoted. Many of our viewers still believe that watching local films in cinemas isn’t worth it. But they should come out and support these screenings, because the quality of our local productions is now truly comparable,” he said.
He also explained that FINAS remains open and inclusive in its support for local film development, regardless of language or genre.
“We don’t limit support based on language or genre. We regularly engage with the industry, including Tamil filmmakers, to understand current issues and trends,” he said.
He added that the improvement in the quality and reception of local Tamil films is evident in the success of C4 Cinta, which recorded box office earnings of over RM2.5 million last year, more than double the earnings of previous local Tamil films.
He also announced that the team behind the acclaimed film Jagat is set to release two new projects this year, one of which is a festival-style film that also promises high production quality.
Meanwhile, Mirugasirisham producer and general manager of Five Star Trading, Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan, said that despite receiving glowing reviews from critics and audiences across various communities, local Tamil films have continued to record disappointing box office figures.
“There are many young and emerging talents in Malaysia who are simply waiting for the right opportunity to showcase their filmmaking skills and tell stories that reflect our regional and cultural Malaysian roots.
“We discovered a strong script by Vijay Ganesh and a talented young team at Sage Heroes. With a like-minded and passionate cast and crew, Mirugasirisham came to life after two years in production,” he said.
Sai said the film has received excellent critical response, with viewers praising both its storytelling and technical execution.
“Every Malaysian who has watched the film, whether Indian or from other communities, has given glowing reviews, particularly for its storytelling and technical aspects. It’s an engaging and entertaining two and a half hours, well spent in the cinema appreciating the film’s sound and visuals,” he said.
“Producers and filmmakers rely on strong box office numbers to inspire confidence among potential investors. It encourages them to boldly support the next generation of passionate artists and filmmakers, helping to realise bigger dreams and create works of international quality,” he added.
— BERNAMA