Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praises Farid Kamil's performance in 'Anwar: The Untold Story'. Photo: Anndrea A. Webber/The Star
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he felt touched after watching Anwar: The Untold Story – a biopic documenting his journey in battling corruption.
Anwar shared that although the overall dialogue in the movie was not fully accurate, the issues raised were based on true events.
"Azizah and I were very touched. It is difficult for me to comment much as I have tried very hard to forget certain episodes as they were too hurtful for me to bear.
"Azizah had gone through a lot, as had my children and friends too," he said at a press conference held after the film's premiere at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion KL on Monday (May 8) night.
Also present at the conference were Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Indonesian director Viva Westi, executive producer Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque and actor Farid Kamil – who portrays Anwar in the movie.
Anwar added that he was impressed by Westi's ability to summarise his 23-year political story in over an hour.
"Trying to fit what went on for 23 years into a single film isn't easy, and the cinematography was excellent too," he said.
Anwar also added that he was hoping to listen to the film's theme song, Menjaga Cintamu, by local songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza as the audience were unable to listen to it during the premiere due to technical issues.
He hoped that the track will be included in the final version of the movie, which is set to open at cinemas nationwide on May 18.
"I have only listened to (a part of) the song, but I can say that Siti Nurhaliza's performance is fantastic and touches (the heart)," he added.
When asked if he had plans to intervene and scrub out any scenes during the making of the biopic, Anwar responded no.
"It doesn't matter whether (I) agree or not to the scenes shown in this movie, what matters is what is truth.
"This is a story that must be told. The battle against corruption continues. As Prime Minister, I want to save this country, fight against corruption and fight them hard.
"Freedom of expression in the creative industry is important. (Creative people) should have the freedom to talk not just about (me) but anyone else. They should have the right to produce such movies," he said.
Anwar: The Untold Story was shot in Malaysia and Indonesia at a cost of RM10mil.
The movie also stars Acha Septriasa as Wan Azizah and Hasnul Rahmat as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
