(From left) Farid Kamil, Maya Karin, Osman Ali, Nabila Huda and Scha Alyahya launch the new film with a small birthday cake
(From left) Farid Kamil, Maya Karin, Osman Ali, Nabila Huda and Scha Alyahya launch the new film with a small birthday cake

Maya Karin, Farid Kamil, Nabila Huda and Scha Alyahya team up for the first time in Osman Ali's Telaga Suriram, a terrifying yet tragic tale

VERSATILE director Osman Ali is once again working with popular actress Maya Karin in a thriller, but this time she is not playing the "monster".

In fact, having been a vengeful, bloodthirsty young woman in 2015's Jwanita, Maya is now a long-suffering young mother who lost her little daughter tragically, only to learn the spirit of her child is thirsting for vengeance from below a well.

Osman has added to the cast of his latest film, Maya's fellow A-listers Farid Kamil and Nabila Huda Suhaimi, plus popular television host and romantic comedy star Scha Alyahya and 10-year-old newcomer Puteri Rafasya Rauf.

As for its name, he has been inspired by a haunting, traditional Malay tune, and titled the tragic tale Telaga Suriram.

LITTLE GIRL LOST

Telaga Suriram, a joint production of Osman's company Nuansa Film and Odissi Creative, also has popular Indonesian actor Fauzi Baadilla and tells the story of Suriram, a little girl who goes missing at a well in the 1980s and is believed to have been sacrificed by people involved in black magic.

Years after her tragic death, Suriram's mother Rohaya (Maya) and father Sopian (Fauzi) are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, and meet a mute young woman Maimon (Nabila) who is Suriram's closest friend, but is believed by certain people to be the prime suspect.

UNCOVER A MYSTERY

A lawyer and social activist Zakir (Farid) and tough police officer Karmila (Scha) are also determined to uncover the mystery behind Suriram's death, and help Rohaya and Sopian find closure to what happened to their daughter two decades ago.

Osman said that Telaga Suriram was his 17th film and was his fourth horror story after Puaka Tebing Biru, Jwanita and Langsuir.

"Filming has just begun, for two months, in Perlis, Kedah and Perak. If all goes well it will be ready for the big screen later in the year or early next year," said Osman at the launch of Telaga Suriram at The Majapahit Restaurant in Arcoris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur recently.

EVERGREEN THRILLERS

Osman added that he had always been a fan of thrillers and horrors as these types of films were "evergreen".

"It is great to work with Maya again after Anak Halal, Ombak Rindu, Cun, Sejoli and Jwanita. It also marks my first time with Nabila, whom I greatly admire for her versatility, and Scha, whom I believe deserves meatier roles," he said.

"As for Farid, I really miss working with him, as he was superb in Anak Halal back in 2007. I have long wanted to make a star-studded film with a strong social message, but wrapped up in a popular genre that appeals to all Malaysians."

CREDIBLE BACKSTORIES

Osman described the main characters of Telaga Suriram as "well developed" with credible backstories.

"There are no real heroes, heroines and villains in this story. The real villain, if any, is the cruelty inflicted on innocent children by cowardly adults," he said.

"While it is a horror and pretty gruesome, it contains an important social message that speaks directly to all of us, that is the need to love and care for our children, and not abuse, abandon or neglect them."

FOND MEMORIES

Maya said that she was glad to be back in a film, and delighted to be reunited with Osman and Farid.

"I have had lots of fond memories working with Osman, he is a dear friend who knows how to bring out the best in me," said Maya.

"As for Farid, I really miss working with him. We got along great in both Anak Halal and Lagenda Budak Setan."

Maya added that she was delighted to co-star with Nabila and Scha for the first time, as they were versatile and down-to-earth.

RUSTIC VILLAGES

Maya said that it was wonderful that Telaga Suriram was set in the country's rustic villages amidst padi fields in the northern region.

"I love such sceneries, especially those in Kangar and Alor Star. Kampung life is beautiful on screen, especially when you see villagers living harmoniously and helping one another in the spirit of gotong-royong."

Maya strongly identifies with her character Rohaya, as she is "realistic and reflective" of Malaysian mothers.

"I feel her pain at having lost her only child so tragically. She is a mother who has long been traumatised, and has decided to find closure to the worst tragedy of her life."

Maya, 42, added that playing Rohaya was quite challenging as she did not want to make her look like another single mother she played, Sakinah in Munafik 2.

"It is very important not to play the same character twice, as audiences always want something new."

WARRIOR PRINCESS

On her other projects, Maya said that she would continue to play the title character in Puteri Santubong The Warrior Princess, a musical which was staged in Kuching, Sarawak last year.

"It will be staged in Kuala Lumpur this year, so I'll have to play this popular Sarawak legend once again."

MOVIE FOR PARENTS

Farid, 40, said that Telaga Suriram was his fourth film with Osman after Anak Halal, Langit Cinta and Pinjamkan Hatiku.

"It is great to star in thrillers and a joy to work with three wonderful actresses, Maya, Scha and Nabila, whom I've known for a long time," he said.

Farid admitted that playing a social activist was one of his dream roles, and as a parent of two children, he strongly believed in the message behind the new film.

"I hope Telaga Suriram will be well received by all parents as it is a movie for all of them. Its hard-hittting message that we must love and care for our children, is universal."

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

Nabila, 37, who had always wanted to work with Osman, said it was great that he had offered her a "dream role".

"Playing a mute is really a challenge, since 99 per cent of the time, I don't speak. Maimon mostly communicates in sign language, and one has to read her facial expressions to understand her messages," she said, adding that acting coach Ellie Suriaty Omar had helped her to get into character.

Nabila strongly identifies with Maimon as her backstory is tragic.

"Maimon has suffered a lot. She was sexually and physically abused as a child. That is why she has become a mute in adulthood."

COMFORT ZONE

Scha, 38, a fan of Osman's films, expressed her joy to finally be able to work with him.

"It is a great but good challenge playing a tough cop. At least I am out of my comfort zone of light and easy roles. Best of all, I am working with some of my favourite actors and actresses in a story that is close to my heart."

LEARNT DIVING

Puteri said it was great to have a thriller as her big screen debut, as she was a fan of horror films and adventures.

"I never knew I would be the main character in a film," she said.

Puteri has been taking some diving lessons, as part of her preparations for the role of the ghost of Suriram.

"I love swimming, but diving is a whole new sport. It's fun."

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