Comedian Saiful Apek occupies the director’s seat in the film Shh ... Dia Datang. But he hasn’t relinquished his acting despite the new responsibility, writes HIZREEN KAMAL.

HE is known as the most bankable funny man in the country. Having acted in 40 films in a span of 15 years, Saiful Apek is a force to be reckoned with, considering most of his movies are box-office hits.

Hardly any comedy actor can compete with the success attained by this 39-year-old. Yes, his credibility as a comic cannot be denied, even though some label him as a stereotyped actor.

But Saiful, whose real name is Mohd Saifulazam Mohamed Yusoff, is thankful that his fans continue to support his work.

Now, this award-winning actor is taking on a heavier task — that of film director. He sat in the director’s chair last March to direct a comedy, Shh ... Dia Datang.
Having managed to wrap up production in 25 days, he is thankful that this opportunity to direct a film came at the right time.

“When the offer came, my TV show Gitu Gitu Apek had just ended its second season’s run, and I don’t find being an EraFM radio presenter in the mornings a burden.

Shh... Dia Datang costs RM2.3 million, the biggest budget for a comedy film to date.

Many may not be aware of this but Saiful Apek has previously directed three telemovies for television — Mr X, Janda Asmara and Cuit-Cuit and two music video clips. He was also assistant director of two TV telemovies in 1995.

Jumping from the small screen to the big screen might be a tough leap, but Saiful Apek has been preparing for this moment for the past two years.

With his experiences, he has watched and learned, making sure that when he sits in the director’s seat, everything falls into its place.

“When I was acting, there were some obvious flaws in the production methods of those offerings, but since I was only the actor, I realised that no one was going to care if I voiced my grouses. But I told myself that if I were to direct a movie one day, I would tackle the issues there and then.

“So, in Shh... Dia Datang, I made sure that all problems, however minute, were taken care of so that both cast and crew were happy working towards making this movie a success.”

When Saiful was offered to direct this movie by executive producer Fazreen Wahab of Noradz Productions, he set down three conditions: to provide him two High Definition cameras, the use of Direct Sound, as well as a big container to be turned into a caravan in which the cast could take breaks.

In this maiden film by Noradz Productions, Saiful also takes on the central role alongside Singaporean heartthrob Aaron Aziz. In the movie, they are best friends whose dreams are to produce a comedy film. While shooting, hilarious events take place.

“The story is taken from my own experiences,” said Saiful. He wanted the comical bits to be as spontaneous as possible.

The cast has other known comedians such as the 1980s TV sitcom Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu gang of Zami Ismail, Imuda and Ahmad Busu.

There’s also TV drama actress Airis Yasmeen, and baritone-voiced actor Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, who signed up to play the character of an effeminate man, to the surprise of many, since he is more known for his portrayals of suave corporate characters.

Saiful Apek revealed he felt the jitters when wrapping up his first movie.

“I’m somewhat nervous about the audience’s expectation. Since I am not only directing this movie, but also starring in it, I want to excel in both,” he said.

This movie is Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu gang’s maiden appearance together on the silver screen.

Looking up to his predecessors in comedy, Saiful said that Zami, Imuda and Ahmad Busu are great actors and that they should have been given the opportunity to star in movies a long time ago.

“I am very honoured to be working with them. They have been suggesting brilliant ideas for the various scenes. The movie will also see Saiful attempting a dangerous stunt, enhanced with the use of Computer Generated Images (CGI). Also, look out for a cameo by Cicak-Man in this film.