DAULAT, a political thriller that garnered attention on social media for similarities to the power struggle that led to the recent change of government, will be available on iFlix beginning this weekend.

The film will premiere on April 6, with no scenes censored, said its director Imran Sheik. 

“The film has been ready since December. But when we sent it to the Film Censorship Board (LPF), it was held up. 

“Because of that, and because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we feel it would take too long if we were to wait for the film to be shown in cinemas, which may only be by next year,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

Imran announced on social media last night that the April 6 premiere will be free for viewers.

The film’s trailer, which received widespread social media attention, was released in the wake of the power struggle that saw the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government and the formation of Perikatan Nasional in early March.

The film tells the story of politicians and power brokers working to regain power after losing a general election.  

‘Board ordered some scenes removed’

Imran said the film company was advised by the censorship board to remove several scenes.

“LPF does not like it when we portray politicians as cunning. LPF also does not like it when the characters are too similar to actual politicians.

“For us, the similarities were coincidental. Whatever we do, people will find similarities. So such comparisons are best avoided,” he said. 

The Malaysian Insight understands that the censorship board proposed to cut nearly 40% of the film.

Just prior to the change of government at the end of February, Daulat was widely publicised with its posters and trailers circulated on social media. 

Lead actor Vanidah Imran stars as a Machivallian power broker.

In an interview with The Malaysian Insight last November, Imran said Daulat has nothing to do with the ongoing political scene in Malaysia following the historical 2018 general election.

“The story and the characters are entirely fictional. I may find some inspirations from political scenarios but they have been altered completely for fictional entertainment.  

“It has nothing to do with any politician in Malaysia. Any similarities are just a coincidence,” he said. 

Daulat tells the story of Hassan (played by Tony Eusoff) who is president of the Muno political party that lost in the general election. Hassan takes on Suri (Vanidah) as his deputy as part of a plan to regain power. 

Siru uses her husband Idrus (Rashidi Ishak), the owner of a media company, to spread propaganda in favour of the Muno party. 

Also starring are Jasmine Suraya, Cristina Suzanne, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Jalaluddin Hassan, dan Zul Zamir.

Imran hopes Daulat would spark a national conversation.

“To progress, we need to be able to express ourselves freely. There are limits to freedom of speech but the freedoms in Malaysia are so limited. This has caused our society to be afraid to speak and to think. 

“I hope this film will help change that.” – April 1, 2020.