GROOVE Over the moon as Agent Bulan
Zahirah Macwilson will reprise her role as fearless Agent Bulan in her very own TV series soon, writes Dennis Chua
NEW mum Zahirah Macwilson is elated that feedback from viewers has been very positive over her first major role in the action-comedy, Bulan Dan Pria Terhebat. The mother of three-month-old Isaac Raees Aiman said she’s “over the moon” because netizens loved her character Bulan, the fearless Indonesian secret agent.
Zahirah recently returned to Kuala Lumpur from Perth, Australia, after giving birth on Jan 5.
“The popularity of Bulan is the best gift from fans since getting married and becoming a mother,” said Zahirah, 26, in a Zoom interview.
“I can’t thank the producer and director enough for roping me into this amazing action film, which is so female-driven.”
INSPIRATION FOR NEW MUMS
Zahirah will always cherish Bulan for the many firsts it brings to her acting career.
“It’ll always be the one film which I joined when I was single, completed as a wife and brought to TV as a mum!” said Zahirah.
“I hope all new mums will be inspired by it. It shows that we can still pack a punch and be on top of our game!”
Apologising to fans for not being able to promote the action comedy as she was in Australia, Zahirah said it was a “godsend” to have it screened on Astro First beginning March 12.
“I was worried that the film would not be screened when the Movement Control Order came about in March last year.
“Thank God it’s finally on Astro First. Its first week on that channel was a blast with viewers.”
HER OWN DRAMA SERIES
Zahirah, who spent six months learning Muay Thai to prepare herself for the role, kept in touch with fans via social media.
“Many of them had suggested that Bulan star in her own action drama series. I thought it was a fantastic idea too.”
Zahirah recently received great news from Bulan Dan Pria Terhebat’s producer Astro Shaw — it is receptive to the suggestion, and will start work on Bulan The Series later this year!
Producer Nik Iruwan Nik Izani revealed that Bulan The Series would be both a prequel and a sequel.
“Now that the Indonesian secret agent is stuck in Malaysia, she will have many new crime-fighting adventures.
“The series will also introduce viewers to Bulan’s past, including her teenage years.
“Fans will get to see how she fought crime in Jakarta and what inspired her as a schoolgirl to fight injustice and protect the weak,” he said.
Nik Iruwan also said that Astro Shaw would soon be holding discussions with a director from Hollywood who will helm the show.
“We have sent the film to the United Kingdom and the United States, shown it to producers and directors there, and the feedback was great.
“They are impressed with this strong female character and believe that her story would make a great television series.”
Nik Iruwan added that Astro Shaw had already come up with a script for the series, which will be filmed in the Klang Valley.
“Based on viewers’ feedback, Bulan has set the bar high for Malay action heroines — a lot higher than Agent Nora Zain from 1965. She’s a complete package as she is a beauty with brain, brawn and bravery.”
MORE IRON LADY ROLES, PLEASE
Zahirah hopes that more Malaysian actresses would be given “iron lady” roles similar to that of Bulan.
“Gone are the days where women need heroes to save them. Now is the time for action heroines who punch, kick and are just as formidable,” she said.
To prepare for her role, Zahirah watched Hollywood actresses Jennifer Garner in the series Alias, Angelina Jolie in the film Mr And Mrs Smith, and Scarlett Johansson in The Avengers.
As for her Indonesian fans, Zahirah said she was surprised to learn they were happy with her command of Bahasa Indonesia.
“I initially thought my accent sounded fake. Thank God the Indonesian viewers were supportive, saying my command of Bahasa Indonesia was commendable for a Malaysian.”
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Asked how life changed after becoming a mother, Zahirah said she had become more focused in her work.
“My little boy has given me a purpose in life. He has inspired me to excel both as a mother and an actress. He has recharged me!”
Zahirah plans to return to Malaysian cinema in a few months’ time. She is currently working out and on a diet to get back in shape.
While her actor husband Aiman Hakim Ridza will return to work after Hari Raya Aidilfitri in June, Zahirah plans to stay at home a little longer to keep their son company.
“I must make sure that my baby is in good hands. I’ve got to find the right person in our family to look after Isaac.”
NUSANTARA ADVENTURES SELL
Nik Iruwan praised Bulan Dan Pria Terhebat’s
director Ghaz Abu Bakar for the great script.
“Ghaz also saw a lot of potential in Zahirah and convinced me that it was time for her to leave her comfort zone and shine.”
Asked why they made Bulan an Indonesian instead of a Malaysian, Nik Iruwan said Astro Shaw wanted Bulan to be enjoyed by viewers around the Malay-speaking region — Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.
“We wanted to give the main actress a challenging role. Besides the fact that the Indonesian market is huge, we also believed it was good to have a heroine who makes Malaysia and Indonesia her home.”
“In future, we could have Singaporean and Bruneian action heroines who make Malaysia their second home.”
With the lack of heroines from the region, characters like Bulan could be a step in the right direction, he added.