LOVE is a many splendoured thing. Sometimes it comes when one least expects it, or is not even ready for it. But when it happens, there’s no stopping the lovebirds; even when the relationship may seem improbable. That’s basically the premise of the new romantic comedy movie Soulmate Hingga Jannah.
Prof Datuk A. Razak Mohaideen’s 40th feature film, Soulmate Hingga Jannah, has paired up Singaporean singer, songwriter and actor Taufik Batisah with actress Raja Ilya for the first time.
The story begins when young Rokiah (Raja Ilya) goes to Kuala Lumpur after receiving a job offer from a big company. Unfortunately for the kampung girl, she has to face the company’s hot-headed CEO Azmeer (Taufik) on a daily basis. Azmeer is a widower who has vowed not to re-marry because his dying wife had made him promise this. As a result of shutting his heart to love, he becomes cold-hearted and rejects any sort of relationship with members of the opposite sex.
Soon Rokiah ends up on a business trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand with her boss and two senior colleagues, Ira (Erra Fazira) and Jacky (Douglas Lim), who are also Azmeer’s old buddies from his university days.
Ira has been secretly pining for Azmeer’s love and attention. So when Rokiah comes into the picture, she feels a little threatened. Her colleague Jacky manages to convince her that she shouldn’t feel this way but instead should assist him in helping Rokiah to look more presentable for their company; Azmeer had remarked that if Jacky had to hire another assistant, he should have at least hired one with a better appearance, and not the fashion disaster that is Rokiah.
Part of the movie plot involves the transformation of Rokiah from plain kampung girl with a mismatched wardrobe to fashionable personal assistant. I bet those who have seen the Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea or its American version, Ugly Betty, are reminded of these shows, especially in the scene where Rokiah presents herself on her first day at the office in Kuala Lumpur. However, although that bit may not seem totally original, it doesn’t really affect the movie’s entertaining quality.
For fans of local movies and TV dramas, this has one obvious fact that is hard to ignore — having Raja Ilya as its heroine. Since her involvement in the local entertainment industry, the actress has been playing antagonist roles far too many times.
She has admitted that she has become addicted to playing baddie roles and is aware this has caused drama fans to “hate” her. But Raja Ilya has also said that in the acting profession one cannot dictate the kind of roles that are offered. So her latest role, in this movie, would definitely boost her resume, and also present a different kind of challenge for her as an artiste.
Aside from her debut role as a protagonist, this movie also marks her first as a comedic character in a romantic comedy.
Raja Ilya manages to play her character well. Her delivery in the movie has a natural feel, just like her antagonist roles in other films. It must be said too how well she and her co-star Taufik fare onscreen, thanks to the potent chemistry the characters share.
While Taufik is a natural actor, his character’s temperament in the office seems a little too over-the-top and just a bit too dramatic to feel realistic. If there were to be such a temperamental employer, I wonder whether a corporation would achieve its annual KPI at all! After all the firing done by Azmeer, would there really be anyone left to do the work?
Comedian Lim continues to be the joker we have come to know him as since his early role as Steven on the TV sitcom Kopitiam, which aired on ntv7 many years ago. While he has moved on to greener pastures (focusing on stand-up comedy), it is good to see him cracking jokes on the big screen again.
Supporting cast members such as Erra, Datuk Rahim Razali and Nad Zainal are excellent in their roles too.
SOULMATE HINGGA JANNAH
DIRECTED BY: Datuk Prof A. Razak Mohaideen
STARRING: Taufik Batisah, Raja Ilya, Erra Fazira, Douglas Lim, Datuk Rahim Razali, Nad Zainal, Reen Rahim, Ahmad Azam Pit, Azhari Zain
DURATION: 114 minutes
RATING: P13