Namewee's 'Banglasia' gets green light from LPF

PETALING JAYA: The year is getting off to a great start for controversial Malaysian artiste Namewee, as the ban on his 2014 film Banglasia has finally been lifted.

Banglasia was originally scheduled for release on Jan 30, 2014, which was the Lunar New Year's Eve in Malaysia. 

However, it ended up being banned after LPF (Malaysian Film Censorship Board) objected to 31 plot points, which amounted to 90% of the film's content.

"I did not give up as I believe this movie is made for all Malaysians, telling a story of hope, love and sacrifice," said Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee.

He had previously directed Malaysian films like Nasi Lemak 2.0 (2011), Hantu Gangster (2012), and Kara King (2013), and had put his filmmaking career on a hold following the ban.

Banglasia is produced by digital media entertainment platform WebTVAsia and directed by Namewee who also stars in the 90-minute-long feature film.

After the change of government last year, the film's producers escalated their efforts in getting Banglasia approved for public screening this year. 

They finally received an official notification of approval from the LPF on Tuesday.

WebTVAsia Group CEO & Banglasia producer Fred Chong said, "It's a huge relief after five years of uncertainty. We finally received official approval from LPF on Feb 12. We will announce full details of the movie release at a press conference on Feb 20 together with our film director Namewee."

The action comedy has already premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival 2015, and screened at New York Asian Film Festival, and Osaka Asian Film Festival 2015.

Namewee also acts in Banglasia alongside Bangladeshi film actor Nirab Hossain, Singaporean actress Atikah Suhaime, and Malaysian artistes like Saiful Apek, David Arumugam, Ling Big Yong and Kinki Ryusaki.