After more than 15 years in Malaysia’s Tamil film industry, director Viknes Perrabu is making his debut in Malay-language cinema with The Keris, an action film inspired by the heritage of the keris, the traditional martial art of silat, and the legendary warrior Hang Tuah.
The 38-year-old filmmaker said the project reflects his ambition to create a film that appeals to Malaysians from all backgrounds while introducing the country’s history and cultural heritage to a wider audience.
Viknes, who has a lifelong passion for history, said the idea for the film grew from his interest in exploring Malaysia’s past. He had initially planned a movie based on silambam, an Indian traditional martial art, but later shifted his focus to silat after discussions with producer Dr N. Matheyalagan.
The Kedah-born director said producing a Malay-language film was not a move away from Tamil cinema, but an effort to reach a broader audience and showcase Malaysian stories on a larger scale.
Known for Tamil productions including Sathuriyan, Paramapatham, Agrinai and Veera Karrupu, Viknes said creating a film based on Malay history and culture required extensive research. He worked with experienced director and screenwriter Datuk Zulkifli M. Osman and other advisers to ensure the accuracy of the language, historical details and cultural elements.
The development of The Keris took almost two years, covering research, scriptwriting, casting and pre-production. Filming was carried out across Kedah, Penang, Perlis, Perak and Thailand.
Viknes said the film also carries a message of unity, featuring a multiracial cast and an international actor in a key role to reflect Malaysia’s diverse society.
Producer Dr N. Matheyalagan said the production faced several challenges, including securing locations, building a diverse production team and managing a large-scale shoot.
The film’s budget eventually reached RM2.2 million, exceeding initial estimates due to elaborate set construction, multiple filming locations and the involvement of more than 200 crew members.
Following its cinema release, discussions are underway to bring The Keris to Netflix, potentially allowing the film to reach international audiences.
