A biopic on legendary entertainer the late Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad is scheduled for release by 2028.
The late singer’s nephew Razman Azrai Zainuddin, also known as Atai, said the film is not merely about Sudirman’s life story but also about the golden era of local music, which gained international recognition in the 1980s.
"This is not just a film about Sudirman but a film about Malaysia and how the country once placed local music on the world map. We want today’s generation to rediscover the culture, unity and spirit of Malaysians during that time,” he told reporters after a ceremony to appreciate the legacy of the popular singer in Kuala Lumpur last week.
Atai said the idea for the biopic was first conceived five years ago and has now entered its early development phase with support from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), particularly in script development.
He said several potential directors have been identified and the production team is actively seeking strategic partnerships, funding and involvement of other parties, including corporate companies, government agencies and technology providers.
Casting auditions will also be held to select suitable actors to portray Sudirman and other key figures in his career.
Meanwhile, Atai, representing Sudirman’s heirs, also received royalty payments amounting to more than RM360,000 from EMI Music Malaysia, one of the labels under Universal Music Malaysia.
He said the payment covers the late singer’s works since the 1970s, based on the copyright agreements signed during that period.
According to Atai, the royalty claims and verification process took about two years, involving account audits and detailed discussions among the heirs, family lawyers and the recording company to ensure the proper appointment of a legal administrator.
"Previously, royalty matters were difficult as there was no formal administrative mechanism established immediately after his passing.
"After the late Sudirman’s earlier financial obligations were settled by his siblings, we established Sudirman Asset Management in 2015 to facilitate and coordinate all matters related to his legacy, including applications for the use of his image, songs and intellectual property rights,” he said.
Atai added that the initiative has enabled more structured management of Sudirman’s copyright and royalties, making it easier for external parties to seek permission to use his works and identity in the future.
Meanwhile, Universal Music Malaysia managing director Kim Lim said the auditing process and royalty statement reconciliation took nearly two years due to ambiguities in several of the singer’s older contracts under EMI Music Malaysia.
"The transfer of royalties is not only a fulfilment of the company’s responsibility to the heirs but also a form of appreciation for the late Sudirman’s immense contribution to shaping the nation’s music landscape,” she said.
Lim added that Universal Music Malaysia is now planning various commercial initiatives, including digital campaigns across major streaming platforms and the introduction of new merchandise, to reintroduce Sudirman’s catalogue to younger audiences.
As part of the effort, the "Bintang Uni-verse Pencarian Sudirman 2.0" programme is being carried out at five selected public universities in collaboration between Universal Music Malaysia and Sudi Production. It aims to identify new talent in singing and acting to support the production of the biopic film.
"We are not looking for a replica or replacement for Sudirman because he is irreplaceable. We are looking for young talent inspired by his works to present them in a fresher and more relevant approach,” she said. - Bernama
