Nabila keeps a straight face
From character-driven roles, Nabila Huda Suhaimi has now taken on the challenge of playing a comedic character, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar
SHE is a warm and affable person, but on screen, Nabila Huda Suhaimi prefers to portray characters who are polar opposites.
Having played mostly serious and complex roles in movies and TV dramas over 16 years, Nabila, or Abil as she is more fondly known, is an extremely talented actress.
Whether it’s in an action movie like Tombiruo or horror film like Munafik, or even when she is playing the antagonist in hit drama Ariana Rose, Abil is spot on.
“I thrive in heavy, serious roles. There’s just something so exhilarating about delivering a complex character which requires me to look my absolute worst or get all down and dirty for an action film,” she says. But in her latest film Rempit Sampai Langit, fans will get to see the star in a comedic role for a change.
“I love comedy, but I’ve I never really had the opportunity to play comical roles before. Perhaps, I didn’t think I would be convincing enough . I love a good laugh, but that doesn’t mean I’m up for being all goofy on screen.”
So what made her change her mind? Abil gives director Silver Chung credit for that.
“Silver was the first ever director I worked with; I acted in the horror telemovie
Blok 404. One day, he called me up and told me I just had to be part of Rempit Sampai
Langit.
“It had been awhile since we saw each other so it was nice to catch up with him. I also wanted to show him how much my acting skills have improved compared to my early days in the industry.”
LIGHT-HEARTED COMEDY
Rempit Sampai Langit centres on lead characters Comel (played by Abil) and Kudin (played by comedian-radio announcer Ajak Shiro).
The pair are childhood friends who grew up in the same orphanage. Through thick and thin, their friendship remains solid as they depend on each other like siblings would. But as they become adults, Comel develops feelings for Kudin.
Kudin plans to join a Mat Rempit gang to impress the woman he loves (played by Cristina Suzanne). But his hopes are dashed when he is not allowed in.
Disappointed, Kudin moves on with life. But his fate changes when he meets an Arab scientist who gives him a sample of a “magic petrol” capable of making his scooter fly. His life takes a turn for the better, but while he soaks in all the attention drawn by his super scooter, his friendship with Comel deteriorates.
Abil guarantees viewers a good laugh throughout the film. “Although my character is not as funny as the rest, it was extremely challenging for me to not laugh when I did my scenes as the storyline and dialogue were so funny.
“I was desperately trying to keep a straight face. Ajak, of course, is an absolute pro when it comes to making people laugh,” she says. “This is a light-hearted comedy that will appeal to both children and adults. And I had so much fun working with Ajak and the rest of the cast,” she adds.
Riding on the success of Tombiruo, Abil hopes Rempit Sampai Langit will get people to the movies.
“I hope the film will be a great success. We have given it our best. The film also has a lot of CGI effects which is why it took three years to complete. I’m very pleased with the quality and I hope fans will enjoy it,” she says with a smile. * Rempit Sampai Langit was released in cinemas yesterday.