Actor Aeril Zafrel will make his directorial debut in a thriller, writes Dennis Chua
AERIL Zafrel has been a household name since his acting career began a decade ago. The hard-working Johorean (whose real name is Suhairil Sunari) is now adding value to his resume by becoming a director.
“My directorial debut is a thriller tentatively titled Omerta, to be released in the middle of next year. It’s going to be star-studded, with the likes of Zahiril Adzim, Hasnul Rahmat, Reen Rahim and myself,” says Aeril, beaming with pride.
In Omerta, Aeril plays Marwan who was once Risham’s (Zahiril) best friend. Marwan’s family begins to despise Risham’s family because the latter’s elder brother (played by Hasnul) cheats them of their land. Even worse, Marwan’s parents die at the hands of thugs working for Risham’s brother while defending the land.
Grieving over the loss of his loved ones, Marwan seeks to avenge their deaths.
“I’ve always been cast as the good guy. Playing Marwan is out of my comfort zone because he is neither a hero nor villain. I like taking on ‘grey’ characters because they are realistic,” says Aeril.
Aeril first appeared in the drama Permata Hati Mama in 2006. The Batu Pahat-born actor became a regular in telemovies and drama series since then.
Besides starring in the sitcom Kisah Kaisara (2007), and romantic drama series Cerita Cinta Kita (2014) as a supporting actor, Aeril has been recognised for his protagonist roles in Senja Permai (2009), Durja Ningsun (2010), Cinta Jannah (2013), and Akulah Balqis (2015).
Some of his best-known movies included Apokalips directed by Mamat Khalid, Aku Tak Bodoh (the Malaysian version of Jack Neo’s I’m Not Stupid), KRU’s Cinta Kura-Kura, MIG’s 7 Petala Cinta and Budak Pailang, and the horror film CCTV last year.
He was part of the cast of drama series Hidayahmu Ramadan last year, which won Best Drama Series at Anugerah Skrin 2015.
Aeril, who married his Budak Pailang co-star Wawa Zainal in 2012, is now the father of two, Ahmad, 2, and Hayla, 1.
He describes his family as “truly 1Malaysia”, as he has learnt his wife’s mother tongue Tausug (or Sulu) from his in-law in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
“I wouldn’t say I can speak the Sulu language fluently. But it’s great to learn a third language, and that’s the beauty of being Malaysian, where multi-culturalism is the norm,” says Aeril.
“My children and I are very close and they have made me more determined to shine in acting.”
BUSY SCHEDULE
Currently, Aeril stars in TV3 drama series Patahnya Sebelah Sayap, which ends on Oct 24. He plays Kuzairi, who is in love with one of his employees, Alisha (Ummi Nazeera).
The series (his first on TV3 this year) is directed by Ayie Mustapha and stars Izzue Islam Mazlan as Amzah, a lawyer who works in Kuzairi’s company.
Kuzairi is a widower; his wife died in a car accident caused by Amzah a few years ago. Alisha, who was in the car with Amzah, was blamed for the accident and subsequently went to jail.
Upon her release, Alisha found a job in Kuzairi’s company, and he became attracted to her honesty and kindness. But Amzah wants her back, vowing to destroy Kuzairi.
In January next year, Aeril will appear in the 15-episode drama, Nahu Rindu on TV3. He plays two characters, Fateh and Kashaf, who have very different personalities.
Fateh is a scientist and Kashaf is heir to his father’s business empire. The pious Fateh is married to his work while Kashaf is happy-go-lucky and loves partying.
Nahu Rindu will reunite Aeril with Ummi. She plays Nazira, Kashaf’s fiancee, who becomes depressed following a car accident which kills him.
Devastated by Kashaf’s death, Nazira retreats to a village where Fateh lives. They meet and she notices how much Fateh looks like Kashaf.”
Aeril says Fateh gradually transforms Nazira into a pious person. Along the way, they fall in love.
Nahu Rindu also reunites Aeril with award-winning director Eoon Suhaimi, who directed him in Hidayahmu Ramadan last year.
“Eoon is meticulous. He knows what he wants and gives us clear instructions, besides discussing our roles with us. It’s always great to work with him.”
As for Ummi, Aeril describes her as a serious actress. “She is thorough when rehearsing her roles, and I admire her ability to play vulnerable and strong characters,” he says.
Aeril and Ummi have appeared in three drama series together, the third being Cik Puan Cinderella directed by Reen Emran on Astro Ria last year.
“That was a lovely romantic comedy loosely based on the fairytale Cinderella. Ummi’s character comes from a wealthy family but is sheltered by her mother, while I play her neighbour who falls in love with her, and secretly introduces her to the world outside her ‘castle’,” says Aeril.