Coming soon - movie on Anwar's struggles starring Farid Kamil

Actor Farid Kamil’s admiration for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim will be handsomely paid off when he gets to play his political idol on the big screen soon.

Indonesian production house Bianglala Entertainment has confirmed that Farid, one of Malaysia’s top actors, is involved in a film production entitled ‘Anwar’, which tells of the politician’s struggles several years before his sacking from the government in the late 1990s.

“Anwar Ibrahim’s struggles in fighting corruption will be immortalised in a motion picture,” the film’s executive producer Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, told Malaysiakini.

Farid will be essaying the titular role while Indonesian actress Acha Septriasa will play the role of Anwar’s wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Actor Hasnul Rahmat will play former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad - Anwar’s political rival.

Now in the final stages of filming after the shooting began in August 2021, ‘Anwar’ is expected to be screened in theatres next year, said Zunar.

Anwar’s journey

According to Zunar, the film will detail Anwar’s struggles between 1993 and September 1998, which witnessed the birth of the ‘Reformasi’ movement against the administration of Mahathir.

“The film will focus on Anwar’s fight against the ‘corrupt system’ and how he rejected various offers of cash and remunerations from cukong (capitalists).

“And also, how he refused to use public money to bail out companies of certain politicians which incurred billions of ringgit in losses,” said Zunar.

“Because of this, he was slandered in a huge controversy, fired, brutally beaten in lock-up, and left without medical treatment for a few days,” he added.

‘Anwar’ is directed by Viva Westi, who won the Best Director award at the 2008 Indonesian Film Festival. Also involved in the project are Indonesian actors Piet Pagau and Dewi Irawan.

Earlier last month, Farid openly voiced his support for Anwar, who is also the opposition Pakatan Harapan leader, and listed in a brief Instagram video five reasons why the latter should be the country’s 10th prime minister.

During the 14th general election, Farid campaigned for Mahathir who was then leading Harapan.

Don't look back in anger - Nik Nazmi's mid-career memoir

MP SPEAKS | 80th birthday tribute to my father Lim Kit Siang

Indian actor wishes the best to 'beacon of hope' Anwar in PD polls

'Fair weather friend' Michelle Yeoh far worse than Najib diehards - Zunar