Daulat is a 2020 Malaysian political thriller film directed and written by Imran Sheik, and produced by Siti Marzuliana Marzuki. It stars household names among Malaysian cineastes including Vanidah Imran, Rashidi Ishak, Jasmine Suraya, Tony Eusoff and Christina Suzanne. This film follows an ambitious politician Suri (played by Vanidah Imran) plotting a fiesty political comeback after having just lost an election.
Daulat had its world premiere via digital streaming platform iflix on April 6 after a series of private screenings with industry experts and close enthusiastic cineastes. The film, heavy with dark themes of the political scene, received critical acclaim, particularly for its direction and acting.
Plot
Frustrated by the recent power-ousting of his political party, MUNA, Hassan appoints a new deputy, a rising female politician named Suri, who is notorious for being ruthless in pursuits of her goals. They both work together to reclaim power in the next general election.
As part of her cunning strategy, Suri plots with her husband, Idrus and takes advantage of his position and power as the CEO of a national news company to create slander and propaganda against the rival party. A young journalist, Jasmin is involved as she becomes responsible for spreading this news. Jasmin feels obligated to play her part as she owes Idrus for saving her father’s life. Jasmin and Idrus are later tangled in a complicated love affair.
As Suri and Idrus plot to win the upcoming general election, they will be faced with threats by those equally hungry for power. Ultimately, there will only be one party who will ascend the throne.
Cast
Vanidah Imran as Suri, a female politician notorious for being ruthless to get what she wants Rashidi Ishak as Idrus, Suri’s wife and CEO of Media Raya, a national news agency Tony Eusoff as Hassan, president of MUNA Chistina Suzanne as Nadiya, COO of Media Raya, a national news agency and Hassan’s daughter Zul Zamir as Ali, current Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy of Wawasan Jasmine Suraya as Jasmin, a young, ambitious journalist responsible for carrying out propaganda for MUNA.
Release
Daulat had its premiere via digital streaming platform iflix on April 6 after a series of private screenings with industry experts and close enthusiastic cineastes.
The film had drawn attention with news announcing it was not able to be approved by the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia, which strongly advised Daulat to make major changes to its storyline. Imran Sheik, however, refused to compromise.
It is currently in talks with Netflix for a release on its streaming platform.
References
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11512522/
https://www.thesundaily.my/style-life/the-art-of-being-cunning-CK2185477
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/197813
https://www.malaysiakini.com/hiburan/502531
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_Censorship_Board_of_Malaysia