One thing that becomes obvious just minutes into conversations with the actors of horror comedy Takut Ke Tak is their fondness for each other.
At a press meet, the cast members touch on just how much fun they had while filming the movie at – wait for it – a haunted house.
Actor Fabian Loo (Fly By Night) paints the picture: “Whenever there is time in between takes on set, we would just sit around in a room at the house – where there’s ample sunlight – and just hang out and talk about our personal life and work experiences.”
Model Nabil Aqil, who is making his big-screen debut in Takut Ke Tak, nods: “We ended up knowing a lot about each other.”
He enthuses: “The friendship I formed here is something I really appreciate. I’ve never experienced that before.
"I really missed everyone after we finished filming and got back to our own lives. I loved being on this set.”
Similarly, YouTube star Arwind Kumar says: “The most memorable experience for me was getting to know all these beautiful people.”
His opinion is shared by singer-actress Ika Nabella who gained fame after participating in Akademi Fantasia S6.
“We shot the film for just 20 days, but in those 20 days, we’ve become close like we’ve known each other for a long time, ” she states.
The director, who previously worked on television, reasons: “I myself am a newcomer to filmmaking, who was given a chance to make this movie.
"So, I want to create the same kind of opportunities for other people in the industry, with the hopes Takut Ke Tak can be a stepping stone in their careers.”
He elaborates: “I cast Arwind because I was curious to see how a social media influencer would perform in a film. And I wanted to see how reality stars like Ika and Nabil would do in a film.
"And Han Zalini, who’s from a theatre background, as well as Fabian who’s done dramatic films, how they’d handle the horror comedy genre. They didn’t disappoint.
“Besides their diverse professional backgrounds, the cast’s race is also diverse. Perhaps it’s a blessing the film was postponed and is released now, closer to our National Day.”
Takut Ke Tak was originally scheduled for release on April 2.
When the cinema was shuttered due to movement control order (MCO), the film was postponed indefinitely until recently when cinema was allowed to open its doors again.
Takut Ke Tak centres on five university students who must produce a film for their final year project in order to graduate.
Since all of them fall into the “loser” category, they are not sure of their next move.
That is until the self-appointed leader Abbas (Nabil) comes up with a plan: steal ideas from other horror flicks, and make them their own.
And typical to any horror film plot, nothing goes according to plan... starting with the five of them getting trapped in the scary house, and meeting spirits haunting the place.
All these put a test to their friendship and loyalty.
In an exclusive interview with Loo and Nabil in March, they recall the direction they were given before filming started.
Loo says: “The brief to the actors was, ‘Do the scene as serious as you can. Don’t do it comically’.”
Of course, this is easier said that done.
“The most challenging part was just holding in the laughter, ” remembers 30-year-old Loo.
“Because the plot is just so out there, and we’re trying so hard to maintain our game face, someone always cracks up first.
“That’s usually Arwind, who will slowly walk away from the camera to laugh quietly at a corner.
"You notice him walking away, but then you have to hold it in because you are still in the scene. It was tough...”
Loo says the actors had to improvise quite a lot during filming. “The main goal was to make sure the jokes work. We had workshops before the shoot, so we each know the makeup of our characters well.
“For my character, Yang Guo, he is really obsessed with K-pop, so his punchlines mostly have to do with K-pop.
“So basically, every day, we come on set and be aware that we’re not following the script completely.
While Loo, who has seven years acting experience, found this fun, rookie Nabil found improvising a little difficult.
Nonetheless, the laidback 22-year-old, who is nephew to popular actor Syafiq Kyle, says: “I just had to do it, whether I wanted to or not, or whether I could do it or not."
Luckily for Nabil, Loo took on the role of the older brother on set and looked after the cast members.
Nabil shares: “Fabian is a caring person. He took care of the people around him, especially the young actors.
"Whenever we were on set, I liked hanging out with him because he brought with him positive energy.
“And he always backed me up. He should’ve played Abbas because he’s the real leader.”
Loo’s caring and nurturing trait came in handy when there was a miscommunication between the cast and an assistant director.
Loo, who has directed films and is a scriptwriter as well, assessed the situation and decided to step in as a language mediator between the two parties.
“Let me explain why I take care of young actors. When I entered the industry and I didn’t know much, I did screw up a lot on set.
“The other actors would say to me, ‘You are wasting my time’. And at that time, I was still new, so I didn’t know what to do or how to react.
“As you get older, you realise it’s actually no one’s fault, just a communication breakdown, which can be solved by just talking to each other.
“When I see that happening to my fellow actors, I would always say, no it’s not his fault. It’s no one’s fault. Everyone is doing their best here, let’s just take it easy and talk it out, ” Loo says.
“For me it’s important to be that person, because I don’t want, at the end of day, Nabil quits acting just because of this one bad experience.
“At the same time, when I see him so carefree, I do think that maybe I am getting a little old. I constantly worry about things like paying the bills and all that. That’s the part I don’t like about myself.
“But Nabil is always telling me ‘Chill la bro’. So, I do try to take it easy, ” admits Loo, who recently completed a short film titled Kinsmen which he funded himself.
Although Takut Ke Tak shoot was completed in January 2019, the duo’s easy camaraderie is apparent during this interview where Nabil is spotting blonde hair for the role of a villain for an upcoming drama series.
Nabil complains: “I don’t know how to take care of this hair. It’s only been a week, and I feel like there’s too much work to care for this colour. It’s very high maintenance.”
“I had to bleach twice, and colour twice. It took a whole day, and it was painful.”
Loo, who had to colour his hair red in Takut Ke Tak, emphatises.
“I understand. My hair is really black, so the bleaching had to be done twice as well.
“And doesn’t bleaching feel like your hair is being pulled from your scalp and you end up having this surprise look on your face?” Loo asks Nabil, as they both start laughing.
Later, Loo tells us: “I do enjoy going to sets because you end up gaining new friendships. I feel like when friendship around the set is built right, it will last forever.
“I think because everyone’s is vulnerable in front of the camera, that when you are off camera you end up talking more personal stuff and you get close.”
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
Gallery: The cast of 'Takut Ke Tak'
The friendship formed between Nabil Aqil (left) and Fabian Loo while shooting 'Takut Ke Tak' in January 2019 is apparent during this photo shoot in March 2020.
Lo''s character Yang Guo is really obsessed with K-pop, so his punchlines mostly have to do with K-pop.
Nabil Aqil is making his big-screen debut in 'Takut Ke Tak'.
'Takut Ke Tak' centres on five university students who must produce a film for their final year project in order to graduate.
The cast of 'Takut Ke Tak': (From left): Han Zalini, Fabian Loo, Nabil Aqil, Arwind Kumar and Ika Nabella.
Who ya gonna call? The Colour-Coded Ghostbusters?
Nabil Aqil as Abbas.
Ika Nabella as Linda.
Fabian Loo as Yang Guo.
Arwind Kumar as Sivar.
Han Zalini as Amir.
Director Muzzamer Rahman explores the theme of friendship with a group of actors from diverse backgrounds in his comedy horror.
