Aedy Ashraf was just 10 years old when he entered showbiz as an actor.
Now, at 32, he has taken on a new challenge – stepping into the role of producer with the action film Tarung: Unforgiven.
The film also sees Aedy starring alongside Mierul Aiman, Zul Ariffin and Bront Palarae.
It is directed by Razaisyam Rashid, who previously helmed the 2024 feature Kahar: Kapla High Council, which also starred Mierul and Aedy.
The idea for Tarung first took shape during the filming of Kahar, when Aedy envisioned a project that combined large-scale action with a strong ensemble cast.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to see two titans like them share the screen,” said Aedy, referring to Zul and Bront, after the film’s gala premiere in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Getting them on board, however, was no easy feat.
To meet Zul, Aedy went to the actor’s training ground while he was preparing for another project – and even sparred with him to prove his commitment.
“I had to show how serious I was about wanting him in the film,” he said.
Zul was impressed by Aedy’s determination.
“For me, that ‘fire’ is more important than anything else. Talent aside, that determination is what makes things happen. I admire that,” Zul, 39, said.
“Watching the film, I was honestly very impressed. It’s well made, and I feel grateful to be part of it,” Zul added.
Bront was similarly won over by the team’s perseverance.
“Many projects start with passion, but not all can see it through to the end. This team did. By the end of filming, it didn’t feel like just work – it felt like a family.
“I also believe the future of Malaysian cinema is bright with this new generation,” said Bront, 47.
On set, Aedy was known for being hands-on, particularly when it came to looking after his cast.
“As an actor myself, I understand how important it is to protect their time and emotions on set.
“Together with my co-producer Fatimah Ruzaimi (at our production company, Alpha 47), we paid close attention to every detail – both on set and in every frame.
“We wanted to make sure the audience gets the best,” he said.
Tarung: Unforgiven centres on Hatta (Mierul), a former silat fighter haunted by a tragedy that occurred during a match a decade ago.
Since then, he has turned his back on the sport and now earns a modest living as a food delivery rider.
But due to financial problem, Hatta is forced back into the ring, entering an underground fight circuit run by underworld bosses who use the matches to settle their power struggles.
There, he comes face-to-face with his past – in the form of fellow fighter Isa, played by Aedy.
The role of Hatta was written with Mierul in mind.
While he had prior action experience from the series W: Two Worlds, Tarung demanded a much higher level of physical endurance. During one fight sequence, an old shoulder injury resurfaced.
“I’ve had this shoulder injury since school, from playing rugby. It dislocated when I was 16 and I’ve had surgery – you can still see the scars.
“Sometimes, during very intense moments, it can still pop out,” Mierul, 27, shared.
“But for Tarung, physical endurance was crucial. I’d say this role pushed me to become more of an ‘athlete actor’ rather than just an action actor.
“We had a very disciplined routine – acting classes, fight training, theory classes – everything to fully understand the character,” added Mierul who entered showbiz via talent competition Hero Remaja.
For Aedy, the project represents a collective effort fuelled by passion and persistence.
“We’ve already put everything into this film – our blood, sweat and tears. Hopefully those who enjoy it will spread the word. Ultimately, the response depends on the audience,” he said.
Though the journey into producing has been demanding, Aedy has no regrets.
“It taught me that no matter how hard things get, you have to go through it. The alternative is to give up – and that’s the easy way out.
“But pushing through is what makes it meaningful, even though it’s really, really hard,” he said.
Tarung: Unforgiven is showing at cinemas nationwide.
