KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — In Malaysia, thousands dream of becoming filmmakers, each hoping to rise above the ordinary and leave their mark on the industry.
However, the path to making a film aint always glamorous — ask any film student, and you’ll hear stories of anxiety, setbacks, and relentless perseverance.
This precise struggle is what forms the heart of the local Tamil film Blues, directed by Sun-J Perumal, a spiritual sequel to his critically acclaimed 2015 film Jagat.
Starring a stellar local cast of Karnan G. Crak, Rubini Sambanthan, and Rupini Krishnan — Blues tells a deeply human story centered on Karthi (Karnan G. Crak), an aspiring filmmaker battling suppression and disillusionment within the film industry.
Working as a frustrated assistant on commercial productions, Karthi pours his soul into writing an honest, personal script — only to find himself without the support or backing he desperately needs.
Ultimately, Blues is a poignant exploration of the hardships, choices, and dreams that define the lives of those who dare to create.
At a special media screening yesterday at Lotus Five Star (LFS) Cinemas in Petaling Jaya, Malay Mail noted that Blues not only perfectly captures the harsh realities of a filmmaker’s life, but it also impresses with its cinematography, original score, and performances.
Watching the film, one is reminded of the atmospheric tones of Lost in Translation (2003) and the dreamy energy of Wong Kar-wai’s Chungking Express (1994).
When asked whether the story was based on real-life events or his own experiences, director Sun-J said the idea was inspired by real encounters and observations.
“I would say it’s inspired by some real-life experiences,” he explained.
“I’ve seen many people like that — not just me.
“I’ve seen a lot of people leave the industry, so the story is a combination of many of those experiences.”
He added that the film isn’t just about a Malaysian filmmaker, but about filmmakers everywhere — noting that many viewers at film festivals have shared how deeply they related to the struggles portrayed in Blues.
Portraying the lead character Karthi was no easy task, but Karnan delivers a powerful and nuanced performance.
On casting him, Sun-J shared, “Initially, I didn’t even hold an audition — I just knew he was the right one.
“I believed he could pull it off in both films (Blues and Macai).
“He doesn’t carry the burden of trying too hard — he really goes with the flow.
“He has this ability to tap into something deep within — and his eyes are incredibly powerful.”
On the message he hopes audiences will take away when the film is released, Sun-J hopes it will shed light on people and parts of the industry that are often overlooked or forgotten.
“Even in Malaysia, compared to other industries, anything related to the arts is often pushed aside.
“Through this film, I just want people to step into the lives of those who are living this reality,” he concluded.
Blues also features Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan, Kuben Mahadevan, Kris Law, Shabby Sharath Nair, and Perumal Rajendran.
The film will officially release in cinemas nationwide on December 4, across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
