'Tulus Ikhlas' - the first film adaptation from a Hari Raya advert

Do you still remember the Bernas Hari Raya advertisement produced in 2012 about two disabled boys wanting to go back to their hometown for the holidays?

Now, four years later, the continuation of the story surrounding 'Adi and Buyong' will be featured in the film 'Tulus Ikhlas' that will be aired exclusively on Astro First.

Film director, Hafiz Ibrahim, who also directed the 2012 advertisement, said this film would tell the story of the two boys' friendship in their adulthood.

Just like the advertisement, ‘Tulus Ikhlas’ will still maintain the use of a blind actor to play the main character, 'Adi'.

"When I directed the Bernas advertisement, the two boys were aged around eight to 12 years old. The film version will portray what happens to them in their adulthood.

"I still use a blind actor for the character ‘Adi’ and as for the hearing-impaired character, actor Azmi Bahron plays ‘Buyong’ very well that many thought he was really deaf," said Hafiz at the movie premiere in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Mohd Safiq Arshad, who plays Adi, said he never felt awkward throughout the filming process despite his disabilities, and despite this being his acting debut.

In fact, Mohd Safiq hoped this film will pave the way for other disabled individuals to venture into various areas, including acting.

"I hope that with the release of this film, it can open up people's eyes about the views of the disabled.

"Previously, Caliph Buskers came forward with their singing and now, there's a blind man acting," he said.

The 90-minute film also stars Marissa Yasmin, Rahhim Omar and Azri Iskandar.

Tulus Ikhlas will bring the audience into the lives of Adi and Buyong, two disabled friends who are making a living as foot masseurs in Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur after leaving their orphanage.

Watch the duo's tale of friendship at Astro First Exclusive (Channel 480) from Feb 20.