The Malaysian Insight

THE dark side of Malaysian politics where winning comes at all costs is the theme of “Daulat”, a movie set for release by the middle of next year.

Now in post-production, Daulat stars Vanidah Imran, who plays an ambitious politician in a party that has just lost an election, and she is plotting a comeback.

Director Imran Sheikh told The Malaysian Insight he wanted to make a film that showed the realities of politics, with leaders who are multi-faceted human beings.

“Politicians are not demi-gods and we should never get obsessed with them.”

Imran promises dark themes, like manipulation, both of the people and of other politicians.

“The public must know that this happens.”

Daulat, which means “supreme” in Malay, is Imran’s first film.

By showing the dark side of human nature, Imran believes viewers can indirectly learn about the opposite – what noble politics can and should be.

If all this sounds familiar to Malaysians, Imran is quick to add that the film “has nothing to do” with the country’s current political scenario since the 14th general election last year.

It is a work of fiction, he said, with general or universal themes.

“This is fiction. My inspiration is from politics but it is meant to entertain. It has no connection with any political figure in Malaysia. If there appears to be, it is just a coincidence.”

Vanidah plays deputy to a political party leader – helmed by Tony Eusoff.

To boost their party’s standing, Vanidah’s character, Suri, gets help from her husband who runs a media company to spread propaganda.

Daulat also features, Jasmine Suraya, Cristina Suzanne, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Jalaluddin Hassan and Zul Zamir.

First local film of its kind

Imran described Suri as a slick politician full of deception.

He was partly inspired by the popular Netflix series, House of Cards, which features a strong and ruthless female politician aiming to become the US president.

“The series’ popularity shows how people want to know about the dark side of politics.

“So far, no one has tried to show this in a Malaysian film, so I want to be the first,” said the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) law graduate, whose previous directing experience was “Jibrail”, a drama series about the legal world shown on NTV7 and video streaming portal, Viu.

The characters in Daulat are drawn from Imran’s personal experience and that of his own family, some of whom have been involved with politicians, although he did not go into details.

“Some of my family members have had bad experiences being used by others, because they are nice people.

“Today’s reality is that we can’t be too nice, or others will take advantage.”

Asked why he titled his film Daulat, Imran said it is a reference to the peak of politics and power.

“This film is about politicians who fight to be at the top. For those who make it, they are supreme.”

Imran said he would never have been able to make a film like Daulat had there been no change in federal government last year.

“If I had tried to make this film before the general election last year, I think it would have been very hard. Freedom of speech was more limited then.

“Things are very different now.” – November 17, 2019.