NEWS: Kissing Scene in S'kali Censored

Arivind (right) and the crew and associate producers

MON, Sept 11: More than 20 seconds of a steamy kissing sequence in the local Indie movie S’kali were cut by Malaysian Censors.

This was revealed to this blogger by the movie’s writer-director Arivind Abraham during the premiere of S’kali at Cathay Cineleisure in Mutiara Damansara last Friday (Sept 8).

“The Censorship Board officials were very nice about it,” said Abraham, 23. “They explained to me the guidelines and the reason for the cuts and I accepted them. I now realize that there are many other ways to put our romantic messages across without getting foul of the guidelines.”

It is learnt that the kissing sequences involved a pair of young lovers who are going to be separated to pursue their studies abroad. S’kali was shot in the Klang Valley and Port Dickson last January. It also features cameo appearances by a well-known music industry stalwart as well as a famous local movie director.

Last Friday’s movie premiere, at a special ‘digital’ hall of the multiplex, was attended by the media, the cast and crew and their guests.

The title “S’kali” is derived from the mamak stall culture of today’s youth, meaning “Bayar sekali” or “Pay for all”. The story is about five close friends on the verge of separation, with each going for further studies. The themes involve inter-racial love, friendship, the struggles to have their work recognized and the sorrow of parting. Its main cast consists of Zimy Rozan, Davina Goh, Jayaram Nagaraj, Derek Ong and Angeline Rose.

The script was written by Abraham from his own experiences. He also serves as associate producer of the movie, together with his school mates Keith Leong, Jason Lim Tsu Yang, Samantha Tan and Bahir Yeusuff. “S’kali” is produced by Perantauan Enterprise and Asa’ad Entertainment Network Sdn Bhd.

S’kali opens exclusively at Cathay Cineleisure Damansara on Sept 14 2006


One for the album: Davina, Zimy, Derek, Angeline and
Jayaram posing with their guest Mrs Catherine Lim


The cast and crew of S'kali at the premiere on Sept 8