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New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali' back with bigger suit, bigger battles

ANIMATED superkid Ejen Ali is back for another science-fiction adventure. Looking stronger and more mature, the country's battle-hardened boy wonder has embraced espionage technology and faces a foe whose true identity remains a mystery. Released on May 22, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) was launched at GSC IOI City Mall in Sepang, Selangor. The launch was led by Wau Animation chief executive officer Usamah Zain Yasin and Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios chief executive officer Nini Yusof. 3D Nini said that EATM2 marked another milestone in Malaysian animation and reintroduced audiences to the boy agent and his 3D adventures. "EATM2 has more explosive action and a deeper, more immersive narrative experience. "Since its debut on TV3 in 2016, Ejen Ali has grown into an internationally recognised IP, reaching over 65 countries. "In 2019, 'Ejen Ali The Movie' earned over RM30 million across cinemas and digital platforms." TECHNOLOGY Nini added that with new technology, returning fan-favourite characters and enriched world-building, the sequel will continue to spark massive online engagement. "This franchise has transcended domestic entertainment and become a testament to Malaysian creativity." Usamah, who is also director of EATM2, said: "The journey to bring EATM2 to life has been long and filled with dedication. "Fans have been eagerly awaiting this sequel since it was first announced, long before the pandemic. "We hope this film delivers the excitement they have been anticipating for so many years." IMPACT Usamah said that music played a pivotal role in deepening the emotional impact of EATM2, with a soundtrack that underscores the film's powerful moments. "Fans can look forward to 'Hanya Kamu' by Datuk M. Nasir, 'Teman Sejati' by Indonesian band Nidji and 'Penjuara' by Hael Husaini. "Each track carries its own emotional weight, infusing the storyline with a musical identity that mirrors the characters' journeys." ELITE In the futuristic city of Cyberaya, EATM2 sees Ali become the pilot for a high-stakes mission under Satria, an elite programme powered by an AI-assisted mecha suit. The mission takes a darker turn when the renegade Ejen Rizwan enlists Ali's help to uncover the mastermind behind escalating threats in Cyberaya. Meanwhile, mysterious hacker Neonimus resurfaces, driven by a vendetta against Ali. As Neonimus weaves a web of deception, every choice Ali makes becomes critical, determining not only his fate but the future of the city. GENERATION Usamah said: "Ali's Satria Project is aimed at producing a new generation of Mata agents who can combine the skills of all four Mata Cores: Techno, Neuro, Inviso and Kombat. "Satria is an armoured suit equipped with combat pattern data from Mata's greatest agents. It can be modified using ferrofluid technology to form weapons according to mission needs." USER Usamah added that Ali's best friend Ejen Alicia, has been given a new role as the Iris user. "Both team up once again to confront Neonimus, who reveals that he is working for the insidious and mysterious Ciro, the deadliest enemy of Cyberaya." As for Rizwan, he is teaming up with one-time baddies Dos and Trez to fight Mata's leadership for the sake of old grudges. "Mata's leadership is also facing a crisis, as the head of Cyberaya, Datuk Othman, has brought in Ejen Amir and Ejen Elle to work with the more senior Ejen Dayang and Ejen Ganz. However, the two teams don't see eye to eye. "This opens up an opportunity for Ciro to penetrate Mata," said Usamah. BLESSING Usamah said that getting Nasir on board for EATM2 was a blessing, as he is one of the country's foremost musicians. "He also chose to voice one of the surprise characters, as his family members love Ejen Ali," he said. EATM2 took two years to produce, largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and everything was done domestically. The movie is jointly presented by Primeworks, Wau and Komet Productions.