(From left) Nana, Didi and Jojo venture out of their town in the new film. Photos: Handout
Didi & Friends began humbly in 2012 as short musical content featuring three colourful chicks, meant to entertain and educate children with singalong songs.
Today, it is a musical film set to entertain not only youngsters, but also adults.
Didi & Friends The Movie, produced by animation company Digital Durian, Warnakala Studio and Astro Shaw opens today at cinemas nationwide.
Sinan Ismail, the CEO of Digital Studio, said: “When we started Didi & Friends, my son was one year old. Today, he is 11. Like him, many children grew up watching Didi & Friends, so it has been our dream to come up with a movie.
“From children’s songs on YouTube, to episodic stories on Astro Ceria, then the sold-out Hora Horey Live Concert, and now finally the film.
“This is a gift from us to the millions of Didi & Friends fans who have supported us for the past 11 years.”
Along the way too, the beloved characters got an upgrade, in terms of its animation and presentation for the film.
Hairul Sofian, the CEO of Warnakala Studios, explained: “This film differs significantly from the TV series in terms of texturing, rigging, modelling, animation, theme colours, and other technical aspects.”
One of the first things a fan will notice is that the animal characters have feathers now, and they could move more realistically than before, like running.
Besides that, the film has 11 brand new singalong songs, with music accompaniment by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Interestingly, too, is the inclusion of new animals in the franchise, which happen to be endangered species in Malaysia such as the Malayan tiger, hornbill and rhinoceros.
“In showing support for the preservation of wildlife and cultural arts, this film aims to bring awareness of Malaysia’s endangered animals as well as our traditional musical instruments,” said Hairul.
Norsalvina Alwee, the SAVP head of Content Strategy and Distribution Astro Shaw, added: “We are proud that this film not only boasts of quality production, but also a great story that’s peppered with action, comedy and emotional moments. It’s definitely not just a movie for the kids but can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Didi & Friends The Movie centres on Didi, Nana and Jojo setting out on their own beyond their town, after learning that Pak Atan and Pak Beruang may be in danger.
With no plan in hand, the three of them bumble along in different places, meeting different people – both friends and foes.
What’s important is of course the lessons Didi and his two close pals learn in the course of this adventure and who and what are truly important in life.
Rapper Waris voices Torra, a new character in the franchise.
Actress Amelia Henderson – one of the movie’s voice talents – admitted that she enjoyed watching the movie very much.
“This is the first time I am watching the movie, and I think it’s amazing. I was emotional watching some scenes,” she told the media.
Amelia is one of a number of big names involved in this film.
Others include Datuk Awie, Ruminah Sidek, rapper Waris and singer Hael Husaini, who also sings the movie’s theme song Luar Biasa. Voicing the three main characters are actors Nur Insyeerah, Adilia Myra and Adam Muqri.
Hairul said: “Whenever Americans make an animated film, they always get big names. I wanted to do the same thing for this film, which is why I got Datuk Awie and all the rest.
“Also, this movie is a musical so it’s critical that the voice talents can act and sing as well.”
Local artistes Waris (left) and Amelia are two of the voice talents featured in Didi & Friends The Movie.
While Amelia has done voice acting in both local and overseas productions including Sing Along With Barbie, Sea Level and Ribbit, this is a first for Waris, whose full name is Muzzammil Alias.
“I didn’t really recognise my voice watching the movie. But, I could relate to my character as I am a father who would do anything for his children,” said Waris, who voices the tiger character named Torra.
“They needed my voice to be really low for my character. And I could only go that level of low in the evening. So, all my recordings were done in the evening.”
Meanwhile, Amelia recalled that her recording process went pretty smoothly although she admitted it was a bit of a challenge because she had to rely on her imagination as there was no animation for her to watch at that point.
Co-director Akmal Aziz Asmawi elaborated: “We kept the environment in the recording studio very casual, and just allowed the voice talents to continue exploring their voice performances for their scenes because we hadn’t locked in the animation.
“Once the voice recording was done, we had different versions we could pick from, to animate and present the best product.”
Fellow director Roshfaizal Ariffin added: “The fans of the film can look forward to watching a very different kind of Didi & Friends movie. We want this to be something that people of all ages can come and watch, and enjoy.”
'Didi & Friends The Movie' features a string of exciting songs and an action-filled adventure.
