Farid Kamil talks about his long-awaited sequel to Remp-It and describes it as a former Mat Rempit's redemption
EVERY "bad boy" deserves a second chance, particularly when he sincerely wants to repent.
The same goes for former Mat Rempit Ismadi or Madi, an iconic character created by Farid Kamil for his 2006 action film Remp-It.
Madi, who was presumed dead as a result of serious injuries which he suffered in an illegal motorcycle race at the end of the movie, has fully recovered 16 years later, and has stayed away from the busy streets for good.
He is now a popular motocross racer in legitimate circuits around the country, most notably in Sepang, Selangor.
His "second life" is the subject of Farid's latest film Remp-It 2 which opened in cinemas nationwide yesterday.
OWN COMPANY
Remp-It 2 is Farid's 16-year dream realised. While Remp-It was produced by Metrowealth Pictures and directed by Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri, Remp-It 2 is produced by Farid's company FKX Film, and he doubles as the director and main actor.
"It took me some time to wrap up Remp-It 2, and I faced lots of hurdles, most notably financial difficulties. Thank God it has finally made it to the silver screen," said Farid at the press preview of Remp-It 2 at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Shopping Centre, Jalan Bukit Bintang recently.
ASIAN RACING
Besides Farid, some of his co-stars in Remp-It are reprising their roles in the sequel, most notably Cat Farish and Julia Hana.
The new faces in Remp-It 2 are Ahirine Ahirudin, Izzue Islam, Niezam Zaidi, Farez Ridzwan, Shiha Zikir, Chiwan, Mamak Puteh and Farid's son Muhammad who is marking is first big screen role.
Farid said: "Remp-It 2 sees Asian Racing on film for the first time, and major motocross racing centres such as the Cub Prix Malaysia Circuit in Gong Badak also feature prominently."
55 DAYS
Involving more than 1,000 motorcycles of different brands and models, Remp-It 2 was filmed over 55 days in 2019, in Pasir Gudang, Kuantan, Gong Badak, Melaka and Sepang.
"Remp-It 2 is meant to be a treat for all motorcycle lovers. It is a motorcycle festival on the big screen."
REPLACING ZUL
Farid's biggest regret is not being able to get fellow motorcycle enthusiast Zul Huzaimy Marzuki back as Madi's longtime "enemy" Spark.
"It's unfortunate that many from Remp-It could not reprise their roles due to work commitments. Thank God Niezam is a worthy replacement for Zul as he has played convincing villains in dramas and films."
FAN OF HIS FATHER
Farid picked Muhammad for the role of Madi's long lost son, as Muhammad was a big fan of Remp-It, too.
"Muhammad isn't a motorcycle racer like me, but he does enjoy watching me race in circuits from time to time.
"His character, also called Muhammad, is Madi's son from his earlier marriage which was mentioned in Remp-It," said Farid.
Madi is initially puzzled when the boy shows up at his doorstep one day, but with a little coaxing from his motocross racer friend Roy (Ahirine), he decides to take care of Muhammad.
UNWHOLESOME THINGS
Farid said that Remp-It 2 and Remp-It are exact opposites.
"The first movie was dark, gritty, sad and tragic. It told the story of illegal racers and the unwholesome things that they do.
"However, the second movie is optimistic and upbeat, a redemption for former Mat Rempit who have now decided to become legitimate racers," he said.
Farid made sure that no Mat Rempit was cast in Remp-It 2.
"I wanted a clean cast, with the only former Mat Rempit being myself!" he said.
SOFT-HEARTED
Cat, who reprises his role as Madi's best friend Macha, said that he once again served as the film's comic relief.
"Macha is a big man with a soft heart. He loves Madi like a younger brother, and always makes sure he stays out of trouble."
REAL LOVE STORY
Ahirine, who is marking her first leading role in cinema, thanked Farid for casting her as Roy.
"The role was supposed to be for Nabila Huda Suhaimi, who could not make it, so I'm really thankful to be Roy.