Thursday October 25, 2007

Maya Karin plays a mermaid

By RIZAL JOHAN

KUALA LUMPUR: One of Malaysia’s most acclaimed actresses, Maya Karin, who became popular for her role in the Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam films, will be portraying a mermaid in her new film Duyung, set to be released early next year.

Duyung is a light-hearted fantasy romantic comedy directed by Assoc Prof A. Razak Mohaideen (of Anak Mami and Nana Tanjung fame).

Maya: ‘I had to express myself and even show that I was talking underwater’

Comedian Saiful Apek stars alongside Maya as Jimmy, a nature-loving man living in a fishing village who spends his time looking after the environment by clearing rubbish.

Jimmy believes the myth told by his mother that if the environment were looked after, a mermaid would appear.

Maya had to wear a mermaid outfit, which required her feet to be bound, during the 25-day shoot at Sipadan island, Sabah, where most of the scenes were shot in May.

“It was definitely interesting,” said Maya about acting underwater during the official launch of the film on Tuesday.

“I had to express myself and even show that I was talking underwater.

“I didn’t think too much about what I had to do, I just went for it.”

Assoc Prof Razak said he was very impressed by Maya’s ability and commitment.

“It is difficult for anyone to swim and dive with their legs tied and I truly admire her for that,” he said.

“We did not have to resort to stunt women for some of the more difficult scenes. Maya Karin proved she is a real mermaid and no longer a pontianak.”

Maya, however, did experience a few scary moments during the underwater shoot.

“There was an incident where my mermaid outfit got stuck in the fishing net, so that was a bit scary, but Saiful and another crew member were nearby and realised I was in trouble and helped me,” she said.

Duyung is presented by DiGi and is the second film produced by KRU Films (the first is Cicakman) in association with Grand Brilliance Sdn Bhd and Line Clear Motion Pictures.

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