Bollywood movie on Dr M in the pipeline

A Bollywood producer is planning to make a movie on Dr Mahathir Mohamad's triumphant return to office as Malaysia's prime minister, portraying him as a saviour in the campaign against corruption.

Raman Kumar, 73, said the film would focus on the political intrigues and how Mahathir used common sense, wisdom and 22-year experience as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, to campaign on an anti-corruption platform to helm the nation again.

"I want to direct and produce this movie because Dr Mahathir, at 92, has brought Malaysians together in what proved to be a victorious election (for him and his coalition). He's indeed a marvel of strength, will and tenacity," he told Bernama.

With the planned title, 'Malaysia's Saviour Mahathir', the movie will be shot in Hindi and dubbed into Malay and English.

Raman, who has produced more than 10 movies including five in Malaysia, noted that Mahathir's leadership in forging multiracial bonds got Malaysians to vote for a new government under Pakatan Harapan, which he chairs, after 60 years of independence.

"I want to tell the intense story of the remaking of Malaysia after six decades of trials and tribulations, and the way Malaysians intensely felt the moment the (then) opposition won (the election)," he said.

Mahathir steered Harapan to the May 9 general election victory, bringing down the mighty BN coalition under his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak who has since resigned as BN chairperson.

"Malaysia was reborn. May 9 was a new day. Malaysia has been given a new chance," Raman said of the Mahathir-led Harapan's stunning election outing.

"I find Dr Mahathir a colourful character and we want to tell the story as it is. It involves a lot of research and we've engaged a Malaysian scriptwriter who has a better understanding of Malaysian politics," said the producer, referring to M Krishnamoorthy, a noted journalist as well as an associate professor.

Raman, who resides in the United Kingdom, Mumbai in India as well as Malaysia, said the movie would feature Malaysian actors and part of the film crew would come from Mumbai.

--Bernama