A Bollywood producer is planning to make a movie on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s triumphant return to office as Malaysia’s prime minister, portraying him as a saviour in the campaign against corruption.
Raman Kumar, 73, said the film would focus on the political intrigues and how Dr Mahathir used “common sense, wisdom” and his 22-year experience as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, to campaign on an anti-corruption platform to helm the nation again.
“I want to direct and produce this movie because Dr Mahathir, at 92, has brought Malaysians together in what proved to be a victorious election (for him and his coalition).
“He’s indeed a marvel of strength, will and tenacity,” Raman told Bernama.
With the planned title, Malaysia’s Saviour Mahathir, the movie will be shot in Hindi and dubbed into Malay and English.
Raman, who has produced more than 10 movies including five in Malaysia, said that Dr Mahathir’s leadership in forging multiracial bonds got Malaysians to vote for a new government under Pakatan Harapan, which he chairs.
“I want to tell the intense story of the remaking of Malaysia after six decades of trials and tribulations, and the way Malaysians intensely felt the moment the (then) opposition won (the election),” he said.
Dr Mahathir steered Pakatan to the May 9 general election victory, bringing down the mighty Barisan Nasional coalition under his predecessor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who has since resigned as Barisan chairman and Umno president.
“Malaysia was reborn. May 9 was a new day. Malaysia has been given a new chance,” Raman said of the Mahathir-led Pakatan’s stunning election victory.
“I find Dr Mahathir a colourful character and we want to tell the story as it is. It involves a lot of research and we’ve engaged a Malaysian, who has a better understanding of Malaysian politics, to write the script,” said the producer, referring to M. Krishnamoorthy, a journalist as well as an associate professor.
Raman, who resides in the United Kingdom, Mumbai in India, as well as Malaysia, said the movie would feature Malaysian actors and part of the film crew would come from Mumbai. – Bernama