Tough girl Izara to star in ‘Banteras’
THE director of blockbuster film Polis Evo, Ghaz Abu Bakar, plans to have actress Izara Aishah star as one of the leaders of an anticorruption squad in a new television series, Banteras.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is the series’ co-producer with Fantasy Film Sdn Bhd.
It will also star Malaysian Film Festival 2017 Best Actress award winner Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Best Actor award winner Namron, and Anugerah Skrin 2017 Best Film Actor award winner Khir Rahman.
“I’ll begin filming the series late January, and it will have 16 episodes.
“Filming will take three months, and there’ll be wellknown guest stars,” said Ghaz, at a press preview of his new telemovie, Baby Bro!, in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Ghaz wants Izara for Banteras because he loved her portrayal of a dedicated police officer in action film J Revolusi.
“Viewers like her in romantic roles, but she’s done great as an action hero, so here’s another chance for her to play one.”
He said Banteras, like J Revolusi, did not contain elements of romance, and was modelled after British and American crime dramas, as well as the long-running local police drama Gerak Khas.
“It’s pure crime-busting, with characters who are serious — it is pretty old school,” said Ghaz, who will film the series for Astro Ria around Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
It is expected to air in conjunction with Malaysia’s 61st National Day celebration next year.
He added: “MACC will guide us by highlighting criminal cases it tackled over the years. The actors will meet the commission’s officers to better understand how its enforcement team works.”
Each episode will highlight a different crime, and real-life MACC officers will make cameo appearances.
Ghaz said would take five or six days to film an episode.
“Izara’s character is an idealist who joined MACC as a result of an unfortunate incident which befell her family. Sangeeta’s character is an Iron Lady and a law graduate.
“I’m giving the series strong female leads because it’s time for them to shine. ”