BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI

The fabled legend will make its debut as a miniseries and a documentary over Astro this month, writes BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI.

THE legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang, one of Asia’s most famous fairy tales, was introduced to showbiz as a theatrical film and later, transformed into a stage musical. This month, the legend will be brought to life once again on a new platform, namely a four-part miniseries on Astro Citra’s Suatu Ketika... slot every Wednesday at 9pm beginning today. Astro Citra (Channel 131) channel manager Sharlyza Sharkawi said, “The launch of Suatu Ketika... Puteri Gunung Ledang marks yet another milestone in the annals of Astro. The film has been re-edited with new scenes to give viewers a new depth of the historical fable.

“It is an opportunity for fans, who enjoyed the movie, and those who haven’t seen it, to savour the full experience of the blockbuster movie in all its splendour — from the intricate costumes and extravagant set designs to breathtaking locations.” The award-winning film, starring Tiara Jacquelina, M. Nasir and Adlin Aman Ramli, depicts the forbidden romance that blossomed between a Majapahit princess Gusti Putri and Hang Tuah, one of Malacca Sultanate’s honoured and spirited warriors. Tiara, who also made an appearance at the Press conference, admitted that it was nostalgic for her to watch the film once again. “It is sentimental and brings back memories, good and bad. “It reminds me that Malaysians can do it all. All of us believed that we can make a film that Malaysia will be proud of, and the film is a testament to that.

“Director Saw Teong Hin kept our focus on finishing the movie. Most of the time, we would find ourselves on the brink of throwing in the towel, but he motivated and brought us back to our game. “This miniseries is another way to keep the legend alive,” said Tiara. Sharlyza added that Astro had a discussion with Tiara and Saw about a month ago.“Since Suatu Ketika... showcases historical content, why not Puteri Gunung Ledang? It is a treasured legend and a magnificent film.” Suatu Ketika... is a joint programming campaign between Astro Citra and Astro Prima (Channel 108), with the fictionalised and documentary versions of the featured titles premiering on both channels respectively.

While Astro Citra broadcasts the miniseries, a special documentary on Puteri Gunung Ledang will air on Astro Prima on Dec 27 at 6pm. It recounts the origins of the legend and history of the Malacca Sultanate and the kingdom of Majapahit. The miniseries will be followed by a behind-the-scenes special on the series. It will feature five scenes of the director’s cut. “There is one where Tuah runs away with Tun Teja, a fight scene between Tuah and Jebat, Tuah’s journey up Gunung Ledang, a scene of Adipati before he meets Tuah, and my favourite, the Kraton dance,” said Tiara. The movie, which has been divided into four parts, includes deleted scenes.

“Kate James, who was responsible for editing the film in 2004, has helped us bring together every scene to create the miniseries.” The mini series, which has a longer running time, has more sub plots.“You’ll understand each character better, and see great performances by Sofea Jane (who played Tun Teja), Alex Kumang (Adipati), Shaharuddin Thamby (Jebat) and many others.” With the extra footage, Tiara promises a different viewing experience altogether. Astro Citra won the Best Academic Documentary award at the Malaysian Documentary Festival for Suatu Ketika... Rosli Dhoby last month. Sharlyza hopes that Suatu Ketika... Puteri Gunung Ledang will also win film awards next year.

Profil Berkaitan

 Tiara Jacquelina    M.Nasir    Adlin Aman Ramlie    Saw Teong Hin    Sofea Jane    Alex Komang    Shaharuddin Thamby    Puteri Gunung Ledang    Rosli Dhoby - Pembunuh atau Pejuang