Namewee’s ‘Banglasia 2.0’ to be screened on Feb 28
KUALA LUMPUR: After a six-year wait, seven cuts and a reshoot, Namewee’s latest movie Banglasia 2.0 will be released in cinemas nationwide on Feb 28.
Musician-cum-filmmaker Namewee said he had mixed feelings about the release due to the cut scenes, which he screened to media members present at the closed-door event.
“After years of uncertainty, I can’t help but feel very emotional. It’s a mixed feeling. I am very happy that it’s finally approved but feel sad because I cannot screen the film in its full version as it was intended.
“However, I respect and thank the Malaysian Film Censorship Board for its decision because I don’t want to wait another five years,” said Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, yesterday.
The ban on the 2014 movie Banglasia was lifted last week.
The movie’s producers received official notification of the board’s approval on Feb 12 but Banglasia 2.0 has not been accorded Skim Wajib Tayang ( Mandatory Screening Scheme), which means it is at risk of being withdrawn from the cinemas at any time.
On top of the cuts, the filmmakers had to do a reshoot to update the story with new scenes to make it relevant.
Producer Fred Chong is glad that Banglasia 2.0 managed to catch the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebration.
“Due to the film’s strong Chinese New Year and festive connections, the ideal time to see Banglasia is now.
“Our run in the cinema is highly dependent on local support. Timing was not on our side to secure the Wajib Tayang opportunity so we urge moviegoers to catch this unique and very funny film as soon as possible.”
Besides Namewee, the movie stars Bangladeshi actor Nirab Hossain, Singaporean actress Atikah Suhaime and Malaysian artistes Saiful Apek and David Arumugam.
Follow the latest updates on https://facebook.com/ Banglasiathemovie/
Read more about Namewee and Banglasia 2.0 in StarLifestyle on Feb 28.