KUALA TERENGGANU: The state capital’s newest – and only – cineplex began operations with a bang, with thousands thronging Paya Bunga Square to watch blockbuster movies.
A majority of the moviegoers were youths in their teens who were hungry for entertainment, after having to wait 22 years for cinemas to return to Kuala Terengganu following Barisan Nasional’s takeover of the state from Islamic party, Pas.
Among the popular movies at the Lotus Five-Star (LFS) Cinema, operated jointly with the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation (PMINT), is the locally-produced Malay action-thriller, J Revolusi.
The stars of ‘J Revolusi’ are Zul Ariffin, Izara Aishah, Nur Fazura, Farid Kamil, Azad Jasmin, Ledil Putra and Datuk Hans Isaac. The movie revolves around members of an elite police special action unit who battle terrorists out to cause strife by using biological weapons.
Produced by Gayatri Su-Lin Pillai and directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, the RM3 million movie has to date grossed RM5.7 million and been viewed by 400,000 people since hitting cinemas on March 2 nationwide and in Singapore.
Other hits being screened are Logan, Kong: Skull Island, Attraction, Power Rangers, Life and Ghost in the Shell.
The cineplex is located on the seventh floor of the Paya Bunga Square commercial complex, which also houses the 36-lane Crystal Crown Bowl.
PMINT general manager Samium Salleh said the LFS Cinema is Terengganu’s first state-of-the-art facility equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.
“So far, six cineplexes have opened. By May, there will be a total of 11 cineplexes that can seat 1,631 patrons.
“Over 3,000 patrons have watched movies since it opened its doors on Friday,” said Samiun.
Malay movies being screened here are Kanang Anak Langkau – the real-life story on the late tracker, Temenggong Datuk Kanang anak Langkau, and his exploits against communist terrorists.
The warrior’s son, Langgi anak Kanang, co-stars in the movie, alongside Ady Putra and Johan As’ari.
Warrant Offiicer I Kanang was a Malaysian Royal Rangers Corps hero from the Iban Dayak community in Sarawak, who was the only Malaysian to have been bestowed both the Pahlawan Gagah Berani and the Seri Pahlawan Seri Perkasa – the two highest gallantry awards.