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Razaisyam Rashid: "Sembilan" is heavier than "Pusaka"

Razaisyam Rashid hopes "Sembilan" will be well-received by viewers.
Razaisyam Rashid hopes "Sembilan" will be well-received by viewers.

5 Dec – After his horror movie "Pusaka" successfully collected more than RM12 million at the box office, now director and producer Razaisyam Rashid returns bringing something different to the table with the Malaysia-Indonesia co-produced horror drama series, "Sembilan".

According to Razaisyam, the 10-episode drama is a new work that he's exploring, focusing on the region's creepy and dark concept that combines modern and traditional elements.

"Since local audiences often look down on local dramas and are getting tired of romantic dramas, I'm trying to change our industry by bringing something different.

"We need the support of our industry to continue producing a drama like this. If there's no good reception, there's no point for us to continue it because we do our duties based on what viewers want," said Razaisyam, who was present at the "Sembilan" preview screening held recently at MBO Cinemas The Starling Mall.

The "CEO" director added that "Sembilan" is a heavy piece to direct as it is full of intense scenes and suspenseful and violent actions, blended with emotions, sacrifice and family touches.

"Honestly, this is heavier for me to direct compared to "Pusaka". I felt like "Pusaka" had no challenges at all but with "Sembilan", it was hard because it really tested my mind.

"I had to research for the script and storyline properly and that was something challenging for me. I actually didn't understand what some of the actors were saying because they were speaking in the Sarawak and Kalimantan dialects.

"However, I tried to understand the emotions they were trying to deliver. During the rehearsals, I would sit close to the actors and try to understand what they were saying," he said.

He also expressed his hope that viewers would give full support and watch "Sembilan" as it is a steppingstone for local productions to continue making better drama series in the future.

"Sembilan" was filmed for 74 days at Kampung Orang Asli Kuala Boh (Cameron Highlands), Sungai Lembing (Pahang), Lembah Klang and Studio Pinewood Iskandar (Johor Bahru).

The drama is made up of a cast hailing from Malaysia and Indonesia such as Beto Kusyairy, Amerul Affendi, Azhan Rani, Sara Ali, Luqman Hafidz, Atiqah Hasiholan, Bima Azriel, Endhita Wibisono and Roy Marten.

Catch "Sembilan" when it starts streaming for free this 6 December on the Astro GO app.