Megat Sharizal takes on the titular role as Walid in the eponymous film. Photos: Handout
When Malaysian actor Megat Sharizal first accepted director Areel Abu Bakar’s offer to star in the new action film, Walid, he was convinced that he would be cast as one of the antagonists.
Describing himself as someone who’s in his 40s with a “plus-sized” physique, the idea of stepping into the shoes of a hero seemed far-fetched.
So you could only imagine the shock that washed over Megat when he was chosen to play Walid, the titular martial arts-trained hero.
To the 44-year-old, securing this role was significant as it defies how plus-sized people are viewed in the world of action cinema.
“I found it interesting when Areel told me that he didn’t want me to lose weight for this character because a lot of action films use plus-sized people as comic relief, but Walid here is a more serious character.
“What makes him unique is that he looks like the average guy you pass by on the street every day, but beneath that ordinary facade is a skilled fighter.
“Through this role, I’d like to show that people can do action movies even if they are older or plus-sized.
“I know many plus-sized stars out there who have also shattered that stereotype,” he said at a recent press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
Megat takes on the titular role as Walid in the eponymous film.In addition to rubbishing stereotypes, Walid is a character Megat holds dear as it is his first leading role in his nearly two-decade acting career.
The actor said: “I never expected to nab the lead role since I’ve never had the chance to play one for almost 20 years. It’s truly a blessing.
“Although there are more responsibilities to fulfil as a lead actor, I will always grab every opportunity I can.”
Stateside screenings
Running for 110 minutes, Areel’s new movie tells the story of a man named Walid who teaches spelling and reading to underprivileged children.
Along the way, he forms a deep bond with Aisha (Puteri Qaseh), an impoverished girl with a thirst for knowledge.
However, when Aisha and several other students are abducted by human traffickers, Walid – with the help of the police and a few trusted friends – embarks on a mission to track down the kidnappers and put an end to the child-trafficking syndicate once and for all.
The movie also stars Namron, Fad Annuar, Fieyna Tajudin, Shamputra and Yusran Hasim.
Ahead of its Malaysian opening, Walid enjoyed its own premiere in the United States.
The film graced the screens of Cinema Village in New York from July 28 to Aug 3 and, later, at the Laemmle Glendale movie theatre in Los Angeles from Aug 11 to 17.
In an interview with Harian Metro, Megat said that an American film company chose to screen Walid in the US due to the film’s excellent showcase of silat and its impactful themes which centres around child-trafficking and the lack of quality education for underprivileged children.
Areel’s last action film Geran (2019), which also promotes silat and features Megat in a supporting role, had previously won the Daniel A. Craft Award for Excellence In Action Cinema at the New York Asian Film Festival in 2020.
Gearing up for the part
Although the action unfolds in the later part of the film, the wait is definitely worthwhile as you will be treated to nearly an hour of intense, non-stop silat combat.
In one scene, Megat’s character can be seen engaging in a fist fight with a trafficker while another shows him battling two bad guys with an axe.
Megat can be seen engaging in high-octane action in the new silat movie.
Determined to execute his stunts as flawlessly as possible, the Hail Driver (2020) actor told StarLifestyle that he spent months doing cardio and attending silat as well as muay thai classes.
“I started training in December, which was two months before filming began in February.
“Even after shooting began, I would go cycling whenever I didn’t have any scenes to film so I could improve my stamina,” he said.
During the interview, Megat revealed that he picked up silat when he was 14 and had represented Kuala Lumpur three times in national martial arts competitions – in 1998, 2000 and 2002.
However, he set aside the sport during his college years to focus on his acting career.
“The reason why many are unaware of my silat skills is because I never had the opportunity to display it. So I am really glad to finally show this talent of mine in Walid,” he said.
Despite being trained in silat, Megat admitted that getting back into action after such a long time wasn’t easy due to his age.
“Maybe if I were in my 20s, I could still do backflips,” he added with a laugh.
Megat hopes to shatter the way plus-sized people are viewed in the world of action cinema.
To make it all the more challenging, the actor revealed that he tested positive for Covid-19 after experiencing difficulty in breathing while filming a fight sequence.
After recovering and completing his five-day quarantine, Megat continued to shoot the more gruelling action scenes.
“Even though I still had trouble breathing, it’s my duty as an actor to give it my all. Apart from a few bruises here and there, there were no major injuries, thankfully,” he said.
Love for his art
Megat cites the stage as his “first love”. His portfolio includes directing theatre plays, telemovies and skits.
Over the years, he’s helmed multiple projects including Aku, Dia Dan Tong Sampah (2012), Aku, Dia Dan Tong Gas (2015), Lari Cabi Lari (2022) and Bunga Untuk Mama (2022).
Megat – who’s also the founder of local production house Playground Productions – has also starred in movies like Jarum Halus (2008), Nova (2014), Pusaka (2019) and Anak Rimau The Movie (2022) among others.
When it comes to embodying the roles he plays, Megat loves sharing ideas to help shape the characters.
In fact, the actor said that he had multiple discussions with Areel to infuse some depth for the character of Walid.
“When Areel picked me as Walid, I had a discussion with him and our action choreographer to include scenes that showcase Walid’s vulnerability.
“I previously worked with Areel for the film Geran and in that movie, you can see that my character is powerful from the beginning till the end.
“But for Walid, I wanted to show that human side of him... to show that even a strong character can have a breaking point,” he added.
Megat’s dedication in finding ways to perfect his character left a lasting impression on Areel, who commended the actor for his initiative and creativity.
“I like working with people who can think critically and not simply accept things as they are. (Megat) is someone who takes initiative and doesn’t wait for instructions,” the director added.
Likewise, Megat shared that he had a wonderful experience working with Areel, who was receptive to all his suggestions.
“It is easy to communicate and discuss things with him because of how open he is to new ideas,” he said.
Wrapping up the interview with a few words of advice to local directors, Megat said it is important for diversity in action shows.
“Let’s have more diverse characters in films and dramas and not depend on the same actors.
“Give a chance to others (regardless of age or physique). Have more variety because there’s so many actors out there who are also capable,” he concluded.
Walid opens at cinemas nationwide today.
