FRESH from med school, Dr Dani (played by Singaporean singer and actor Taufik Batisah) is excited that he is scheduled to perform his first surgery. Unfortunately, his patient dies on the operating table. This traumatises him and he quits his job.
He then returns to his village. When his mother Mak Siti (Khatijah Tan) finds out the truth, she becomes disappointed as she has sacrificed a lot for his education.
One day, Dani follows his childhood friend Lepat (Amerul Affendi) to Dukun Sudin’s house and he realises how disorganised the dukun (Sabri Yunus) is.
The shaman’s modus operandi is different from medical practice, but Dani agrees to help out. Dani and Lepat then start selling treatment products together with Dukun Sudin in front of the shaman’s house.
Business picks up but things start falling apart once the shaman dies, leaving Dani to take over.
Meanwhile, Mak Siti falls ill and, as a trained doctor, Dani knows that his mother needs an operation to recover.
Mak Siti insists that only her son can operate on her, but Dani is still traumatised by his past experience.
For his big screen directorial debut, Sabri presents a movie that is worth the viewer’s time and money. Note of caution though: If you are looking for highbrow arty-farty drama, this isn’t your cuppa. This is light entertainment, so grab your popcorn and go along with this titillating tale of a disillusioned young doctor.
Sabri is also the screenwriter and he puts his vast experience in theatre and the local entertainment industry to good use here. He was reported to have scoured the peninsula, looking for the perfect setting.
And it certainly has paid off. The beautiful coastal town of Nenasi in Pahang has been nicely captured in the movie and elevated by good cinematography.
Although this is Taufik’s debut on the big screen, his performance is commendable. Perhaps the experience brought on set by his other co-stars such as Fasha Sandha, Khatijah, Amerul, Sani Sudin and Sabri rubbed off on him.
Taufik also wrote and performed the soundtrack.
Amerul is in a class of his own. He easily brings his character to life. But it’s not surprising given his background as a theatre actor. Khatijah, Sabri, Sani and even the late Yuss Edoo perform well as supporting cast members.
Newcomer Raysha Rizrose does a fine job as well. Not bad for a first-timer.
She was offered the role a week before she was crowned Dewi Remaja last year.
Sabri took a risk in choosing her, but his instinct was on point.
While this movie recorded many firsts, it was also sadly the first and last for the late Yuss, who passed away on Nov 30 last year from a heart attack.
What happens to Dani’s mother? And what will become of Dani — will he be a dukun or a doctor? That’s for you to find out at the cinema.
NOW SHOWING
DUKUN DOKTOR DANI
DIRECTED BY Sabri Yunus
STARRING Taufik Batisah, Fasha Sandha, Khatijah Tan, Amerul Affendi, Yuss Edoo, Raysha Rizrose, Sabri Yunus, Sani Sudin, Saidi Sabri
DURATION 97 minutes
RATING P13