Rise of the legend

Screening: Opening in cinemas on Chinese New Year day, Feb 16, 2018.

Director: Teng Bee is known for triad film Kepong Gangster and the sequel Kepong Gangster 2. This will be his fourth film.

The story: This biopic of national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei will focus on his life from the age of 10 to 17, with two child actors set to portray Lee at that age.

The audience will see how Lee became a badminton champion.

How the idea came about: Budget: RM6 million has been set aside for the film.

Additional information: The production house had wanted to make the film three years ago. But it only got the green light from the badminton player late last year.

Teng had an intimate interview with Lee before writing the script. He also read the finished script to Lee in order to make sure that he got the details correct

The film also looks at Lee’s relationship with another badminton great, Datuk Misbun Sidek, who was his mentor.

The producer is hoping to sign on a well-known Malay actor to play Misbun, most likely award-winning Rosyam Nor.

The film will also highlight Lee’s first meeting with the love of his life, fellow national badminton player and now wife Datin Wong Mew Choo.

The film will feature dialogue in Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Bahasa Malaysia and English.

The filmmakers are also hoping to release the film internationally, particularly in countries were Lee is wellknown.

Lee may likely make a cameo appearance in the film itself.