Ready for action: Prabu (left) exchanging documents with Jimit as Punniya (second from right) and Kailasam look on.
KOTA KINABALU: The Tamil Nadu-based company which produced the 2016 blockbuster movie Kabali starring superstar Rajinikanth is now aiming to shoot its 50th film entirely in Sabah this year.
V. Creations, which shot the action-packed Kabali mostly in Malaysia, decided on Sabah after a three-day location scouting trip across the state, focusing on key spots such as Kinabalu Park, Kundasang, Sabah Tea Resort, and Kota Belud’s Polumpong-Melangkap, which is a popular riverside camping and picnic spot.
The team also visited Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Elza Manor, a luxury home rental set within a 2ha garden.
“After exploring the locations, we felt a strong romantic vibe [here]. Since this is our milestone 50th film, it will be filmed 100% in Sabah,” said V. Creations producer Prabu Thanu.
Prabu’s father is Kalaipuli S. Thanu, the Tamil film producer in Chennai who was reportedly the first to christen Rajinikanth as a superstar.
Kalaipuli was instrumental in shaping Rajinikanth, who is famous for his signature mannerisms and one-liners.
Prabu, who was the first producer to put then newly-crowned Miss World 2000, Priyanka Chopra, in a film, said Sabah has left a lasting impression on his team.
Following the scouting trip, they will return to India to finalise details before filming begins by the end of the year.
“The shoot will take about three months; pre- and post-production will require five to six months. We plan to bring 80 to 150 crew members and will offer job opportunities to locals,” Prabu said.
He said he hoped the movie will put Sabah on the global filming map.
“Many destinations became famous through films, like Switzerland and Langkawi. We want that for Sabah, too,” he added.
The production team plans to cast local actors, with auditions to be announced.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Sabah Tourism Board [STB] for their incredible hospitality. The stunning landscapes and warm people have made our visit truly memorable,” said Prabu.
Prabu’s visit to Sabah was sparked by a presentation by STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit at the Chennai Film Association last year.
“We had never heard of Sabah before, but upon arrival, we were in awe.
“Unlike other destinations, where mountains, beaches, and nature are separate, Sabah has it all in one place,” said V. Creations cameraman Kailasam Abambaram.
He said that their short visit was not enough to explore all potential locations, so they would return.
“There are many untouched spots perfect for filmmaking,” he added.
Jimit said STB was thrilled when SS World Holiday India director Punniya Ramanathan informed them of the producers’ interest.
“We engaged with 60 producers in Chennai, not knowing it would ignite such interest.
“We are excited to work with them to showcase Sabah to India and the world through film,” said Jimit.
