Datuk Adi Putra is starring in three Malaysian films being released on the big screen back to back.
Besides the box office hit Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan that’s currently playing at cinemas, the 41-year-old can be seen in horror flick Jerangkung Dalam Almari (out on Aug 4), as well as the upcoming film Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa, to be released on Aug 25.
“It’s all God’s will. It’s not up to me. I didn’t apply for the films’ release dates,” he surmises of the coincidence at a recent press meet.
“When I was told about the three films coming out one after another, I was quite surprised as well.
“I was more worried if I would be able to spend equal amount of time promoting each title.
“Nonetheless I am grateful to have three films back to back,” says the busy star, whose full name is Muhammad Hadi Putera Halim.
Despite the money that Mat Kilau has accumulated – RM90mil and counting – Adi says he does not feel the pressure as his other films hit the theatres.
“Each film has its own identity and genre. So, there is no need to draw any comparisons.
“Also, these films are made with other people, not just me. Every cast and crew bring their own (identity) to each project.”
While he hopes for the best for every project, Adi knows very well that industry players are keeping a close watch on how his next movie fares.
The producer of Jerangkung Dalam Almari, Raja Azmi, for one has high hopes for the new “Adi Putra movie”.
At the premiere, she announced that there would be bonus for cast and crew if the film did well at the box office
Adi gives his point of view: “I also hope that Mat Kilau’s good fortune will spill over to my other films. But again, it’s not up to me, it’s God’s will.
“I do hope each film gets a good response from the audience. If it explodes, it explodes.”
He continues: “That (Mat Kilau has) collected RM90mil in 33 days, that is something we are all grateful for because this is the first time in the Malaysian film industry that we have achieved this number.
“And the film is still showing, so I think we can get more than RM90mil. I am hoping the film will reach RM100mil.”
Perhaps even more than that he conjectures as “Indonesia hasn’t shown it yet, and there is also the Netflix deal later on”.
With the success of Mat Kilau, does it mean that Adi’s fee will skyrocket too?
“I am always expensive,” answers Adi, who has been acting for more than a decade.
“But that price refers more to my level of commitment and the quality of my performance. Being expensive is not a stigma, but it’s important that our value is appreciated.
“We know what we are capable of. So, there is nothing wrong with putting a price on what we’re worth.
“I have been labelled as a demanding actor before. But I see that in a positive light.
“To me, if you don’t make any demands, then you have no direction .. the demand is there because we know what we want.”
Whether his fee increases he says will be based on what he is offered.
“It’s up to the producer to offer me (a reasonable amount). If not, I will just focus on running my company (a travel and tour company which offers Umrah packages),” he concludes.
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