'Kabali' sequel in the making in Malaysia?

Last July, diehard fans of legendary South Indian film star Rajinikanth were excited over the filming of his movie, 'Kabali' in Malaysia.

While the gangster-themed movie collected RM334 million worldwide, there has been talk that a sequel was in the making and that it would again be filmed in Malaysia.

'Kabali' co-producer, Datuk Abdul Malik Dashtigeer told Bernama he was ready to work together with South Indian director, Pa. Ranjith, in the event of a sequel for which Rajinikanth fans held their breath.

He said discussions on the follow-up script were underway and there was a possibility filming would begin this year.

"We are always ready to collaborate with Ranjith, including the preparation of all facilities to do the sequel," he told Bernama recently.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, during his official visit to India, had met with Rajinikanth in Chennai on March 31, and invited the Tamil film icon to do a sequel of the 'Kabali' film in Malaysia, adding that Malaysia was ready to offer incentives to enthusiasts of the Indian entertainment industry.

The movie, 'Kabali', depicts the real-life story of a group of underworld dons in Malaysia, and was screened worldwide. The Malay language version was screened in Malaysia last year.

'Kabali', which is Rajinikanth's 159th movie was also shot in Bangkok, Thailand and in Hong Kong, featuring local actors like Datuk Rosyam Noor, Norman Hakim and Jack Taipin.

Commenting on Malaysia opening its doors to India - among the largest film-making countries in the world - to make the country (Malaysia) a film location and producer of Indian television series, Abdul Malik said such move would encourage more film directors from India to film here.

He added, the move would also boost tourism in India and encourage other countries to visit Malaysia as result of Tamil films which would be screened worldwide.

Abdul Malik who is also producer of numerous Tamil films said currently, four Tamil films from India will be filmed in Malaysia this year. - BERNAMA