The International Film Festival Rotterdam is set to premiere “Fire on Water” (“Neer Mel Neruppu”), the latest cinematic masterpiece from Malaysia’s Skyzen Studios. Directed by Sun-J Perumal, this thought-provoking film takes viewers on a journey through the challenging world of Malaysian Tamil cinema.
A Glimpse into the Storyline
“Fire on Water” spans over 20 years and revolves around Karthi, an aspiring filmmaker who has worked tirelessly in various roles within commercial television and film. From assistant director to editor and sound recordist, Karthi has seen it all. However, he becomes increasingly disenchanted with the lack of opportunities to create a realistic feature film in Malaysia.
A Reflection of Real-Life Struggles
Inspired by his own experiences, Perumal’s film delves deep into the challenges faced by aspiring filmmakers in Malaysia. Financial hardship, limited creative freedom, and a lack of recognition plague the younger generation of directors who entered the industry a decade ago. Perumal’s story serves as a bittersweet reflection on his 20 years in the television and film industry.
The Power of Cultural Specificity
“Fire on Water” is crafted in Tamil, an ancient language that originated in India and remains prevalent in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. The Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood, holds a significant place in India and has a considerable cultural influence in the region. It all began with the groundbreaking Malaysian Tamil film “Ratha Paei” in 1969, with subsequent releases following in the years that followed.
Fostering a Unique Malaysian Tamil Cinematic Identity
Perumal believes in the importance of preserving Malaysia’s cultural identity and fostering a healthy domestic film industry. While mainstream Kollywood films dominate public preference, there is still a non-Tamil audience in Malaysia who appreciates local Tamil-language films. Perumal aims to forge a distinct Malaysian Tamil cinematic identity by embracing authentic stories and perspectives rather than relying on imitations of mainstream Indian cinema.
Reaching Global Audiences
After its premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, “Fire on Water” will hit theaters in Malaysia. Additionally, with the rise of social streaming platforms, Perumal is confident that Malaysian films will reach a wider global audience. As geographical boundaries blur, audiences can now enjoy content without judging a filmmaker’s nationality.
A Collaboration of Talents
“Fire on Water” is written by Perumal and Sivanantham Perianan and produced by them for Skyzen Studios. The film features a talented cast, including Karnan Kanapathy, Rubini Sambanthan, and Rupini Krishnan.
To catch a glimpse of this captivating film, you can watch the trailer here.
For more exciting updates on “Fire on Water” and other fascinating stories from the world of cinema, visit F5 Magazine at F5mag.com.