THE popular drama series, 'Lelaki Itu', which recently ended its 30-episode run on TV3's Samarinda slot, will sadly not be continued for a second season.
Its producer and scriptwriter, Erma Fatima, says the storyline revolving around Syed Mirza's family has been completed, so there is no need for a continuation, despite the series receiving positive feedback from viewers.
"There is nothing that needs to be continued in this drama. All the storylines, from the beginning to the end of the 30 episodes, have been laid out and fully realised. 'Lelaki Itu' will not be continued because the story is completed.
"If I wanted a continuation, I'd have to create a new story. To be honest, I was really worried about doing this drama series, but I challenged myself to make it better than the previous drama, 'Perempuan Itu'.
"The reason I say this one was heavy is that it talks a lot about religion and Islamic law, including aspects related to the distribution of inheritance or 'faraid'."
'Lelaki Itu' sparked a phenomenon and recorded an impressive audience reach of 1.13 billion on social media.
Erma did not expect that the drama produced by her company, Rumah Karya Citra, would create such a stir in the local entertainment scene.
The positive feedback was a pleasant surprise for the 56-year-old producer since she initially had difficulty in convincing television stations to broadcast the drama.
"In the beginning, TV stations were '50-50' about accepting this drama because it was deemed too heavy with the various issues raised.
"However, I was surprised when TV3 broadcast this drama on its Samarinda slot.
'As for the 1.13 billion figure it achieved on social media, I just couldn't believe it when TV3 announced it recently.
"I didn't think that it could reach that figure. And when I looked at social media platforms like TikTok, the response was very encouraging.
"Thank God, my No. 1 struggle is continuing to come up with the best work through collaborations with great of actors. I always strive for success, even though I may face losses."
Four million viewers watched the last episode of 'Lelaki Itu', which began airing on March 19.
More recently, TV3 announced that the drama series had garnered 10 million viewers according to the Nielsen rating (March 19 - April 25).
The popular TV station said the drama series was a hit with viewers since it had a storyline filled with positive messages and valuable content that created awareness, especially on the issue of 'faraid'.
The drama, created by Erma and directed by Along Kamaluddin and Nur Ain Sharif, featured a stellar ensemble cast that included Datuk Adi Putra, Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, Nur Fazura, Nabila Huda, Hannah Delisha, Aedy Ashraf, Nadia Brian and Sophia Albarakbah.
Most viewers on social media praised the storyline and acting style presented in 'Lelaki Itu', which was inspired by a true story.
Erma said the reason she didn't want to make a continuation of 'Lelaki Itu' is because she is afraid of tarnishing her reputation.
"I won' continue the drama, even though it has garnered a great response. The storyline is enough for that length.
"I don't want to lower the level of 'Lelaki Itu' by dragging it on. It would be better for me to take on the challenge of creating some other drama that is greater."
'Lelaki Itu' revolves around Syed Mirza, played by Adi, who marries Sharifah Qaidah (Sarimah), a rich and influential woman.
Although blessed with three daughters, their home life does not turn out the way they had hoped for.
Because of her high status, Sharifah Qaidah behaves like the head of the household, which makes Syed Mirza feel resentful.
Along the way, certain situations take place that cause the family to become increasingly divided.
Watch all 30 episodes of 'Lelaki Itu' on www.tonton.com or through the Tonton app.
