Kuala Lumpur: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has produced the epic supertele entitled ‘Srikandi’ to be aired on Aug 31, in conjunction with the Independence Month celebrations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the director-general (DG) of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, stated that the special feature is inspired by the classic masterpiece “Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China.” This project, published by DBP with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Pahang State Secretary’s Office, successfully produced a quality script. The production involved more than six months of hard work since last October, including over a month of filming at various locations around Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor. This drama is the first special epic story by RTM produced on a mega scale and using a film format with FINAS’s assistance.
The film set of ‘Srikandi’ highlights historical locations and natural beauty, especially in Pahang, such as Jerantut, Kuala Tahan, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan, and Pulau Tioman. Suhaimi emphasized that this feature is not just entertainment but also an intellectual work that uses modern technology to create a cinematic impact. He also mentioned that the ‘Srikandi’ script is targeted for competition in film festivals and to be marketed internationally.
Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Afzam, the director of ‘Srikandi,’ explained that the drama combines elements of reality and fiction from the pre-16th century era, highlighting the spirit of struggle and wisdom of Malay women through the lead character Siti Zubaidah. The story narrates the determination of Siti Zubaidah as a resilient woman in saving her husband, Sultan Zainal Abidin, from being kidnapped by pirates despite being heavily pregnant.
The drama features Farali Khan in the role of Siti Zubaidah and is supported by actors including Datuk Fauziah Nawi, Fauziah Latiff, Luqman Hafidz, Catriona Ross, Che Kem, and Khatijah Tan. It is set to be aired on Aug 31 at 9 pm over TV2 and RTMKlik.