HK action star Donnie Yen arrives in KL to meet fans: ‘I receive a lot of love and support from Malaysians’

Donnie Yen says he is happy to be back in Malaysia as his films always do well here. Photo: ONG SOON HIN/The Star

Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen says he’s happy to be back in Malaysia because his movies always do well here.

“I receive a lot of love and support from Malaysian audience which is why I like coming back here,” Yen said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur this evening (Jan 13).

He was almost an hour late to the event as his flight from SIngapore was delayed. "After arrival, I had to spend some time in hair and make-up so I can look good for you guys," Yen, who was attired in a black Louis Vuitton hoodie, white pants and a pair of Louis Vuitton high-top, told the packed room.

Yen is in the country’s capital to promote his latest movie, Sakra. He describes the movie as a passion project. Not only does he star in it, Yen is also the film’s director and producer.

“Personally, my passion is to be behind the scenes although I know you guys love to see me on the screen,” he said adding that every action scene in Sakra was challenging to execute.

“The scene where I was riding a horse across an open field was the most dangerous as I only learnt horse riding through movie making. The last time I rode a horse was a long time ago. Luckily for muscle memory,” the 59-year-old explained.

In the wuxia flick, Yen plays martial arts master Qiao Feng who is the protagonist in the famed Louis Cha 1963 book titled Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils.

Yen encouraged Malaysian fans to go out in droves to watch Sakra.

“Obviously I want everybody to support this movie. I haven’t done a wuxia movie for many years and this is definitely a refreshing take on wuxia movies that you guys are used to.

“Also, we're getting over Covid (pandemic) so now is a good time to come out and have a good time with your family, watching movies in the cinemas,” he added.

After the press conference, the Ip Man star left for 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya to meet fans.

Tomorrow (Jan 14), Yen’s promotional activities will take him to meet even more fans in the city.

At 3pm, Yen is scheduled to be at IOI City Mall (LG, East Court), followed by another appearance at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Level 2, Centre Court) at 6.30pm.

He will then make his way to Dadi Cinema (Level 5) at Pavilion KL to attend the Sakra gala premiere, at 7pm.

The martial arts icon’s final stop will be at MBO Cinemas Quayside Mall, Kota Kemuning, at 8.30pm where he will be attending a special fans screening of Sakra.

Yen last visited KL in 2019 for another action film, Ip Man 4: The Finale, which earned more than RM37mil at the Malaysian box office.

Sakra opens at cinemas nationwide on Jan 16 (sneaks on Jan 14 and 15). It also stars Kara Wai, Cya Liu and Cheung Siu Fai.

Next up for Yen will be the highly anticipated Keanu Reeves film, John Wick: Chapter 4, which opens at cinemas nationwide in March.

Donnie Yen's new movie 'Sakra' will be released on Jan 16. Photo: ONG SOON HIN/The Star