Latest news with #WAUAnimation
The Star
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ejen Ali 2 continues its amazing run as producers now hoping for mission accomplished with an impressive RM65mil haul
Hit animated movie "Ejen Ali The Movie 2" (EATM2) is still doing well with local cinemagoers and producers are now hoping to reach the mission possible of seeing a total haul of RM65 million, itself that will be an amazing benchmark for animated movies. Producers of the movie, Primeworks Studios, have called the Malaysian fans of the movies, whom they have nicknames 'Agents', to continue supporting the movie, which has already hit the magic number of RM55.1 million this week, the highest ever collection for an animated movie in Malaysia. "Agents, time is running out. We are in a mission now. We are hoping for a never before seen collection for an animated movie and we hope our agents will see us through in reaching the target," said Pinework Studios in a statement. The media release also pointed out that the biggest number of fans for the movie are from Selangor, Federal Territories (KL and Putrajaya), Johor, Perak and Kedah . "We are counting on our Agents the deliver and ensure further success of this movie. We thank the fans for the immense support and we have they continue supporting us. "Let's create another big success for local animated films. The producers also promise to up the tempo and raise the bar in our future ventures. Again, we thank all agents (fans) for their fantastic support," said Pinework Studios. Even more impressive, EATM2 has now surpassed the grossing of blockbuster films from Hollywood and Asia over the past two months. This is a clear testament to the confidence and extraordinary support of Malaysian audiences for animated films that are based on local identity and spirit. 'This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning," said Usamah Zaid Yasin, director of the EATM2 film. "I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success. "Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas to ensure that EATM2 continues to be the audience's choice. "And of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been our backbone and main source of inspiration since day one.' From an animated series on television to the silver screen, Ejen Ali has grown into a mature and influential franchise. This second film not only strengthens the brand, but also reflects the evolution of local animated storytelling that is bolder, more dimensional and touches the hearts of various audiences. The first two seasons of the series were followed by 'Ejen Ali The Movie' in November 2019, which grossed an impressive RM30 million (US$8 million) in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films in Malaysia to date. The latest installment, 'Ejen Ali Season 3', also holds the title of being the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, and the series was launched exclusively on the streaming service in June 2022. For the record, EATM2 is still showing in cinemas nationwide.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' Malaysia's highest-grossing animated film of all time
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular animated film Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has continued its historic run, achieving a collection of RM55.1 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Malaysian cinemas. In a press statement released yesterday, the movie, a collaboration between WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios, not only surpassed all local and international animated films but also outperformed several Hollywood and Asian blockbusters screened over the past two months. "It's a testament to the audience's confidence and extraordinary support for animated scripts based on local identity and spirit," said the film's director, Usamah Zaid Yasin. He added: "This success is the result of the hard work of the creative team and the strong support from the animation's loyal fans since day one. This isn't just WAU Animation's success; it belongs to all the agents who believe in and stand with us." "I truly appreciate the dedication of the WAU Animation team, who worked tirelessly, and Primeworks Studios, who were committed to promoting this film with fresh and bold ideas, ensuring it remains the audience's choice. "Of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been the backbone and main source of inspiration since day one," he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Super-hit movie Ejen Ali 2 achieves the highest box office income for local and international animated films in Malaysia
With a gross of RM55.1 million, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has now officially been crowned as the highest grossing animated film in the history of Malaysian cinema, surpassing all local and international animated works that have ever been screened. Even more impressive, EATM2 has now surpassed the grossing of blockbuster films from Hollywood and Asia over the past two months. This is a clear testament to the confidence and extraordinary support of Malaysian audiences for animated films that are based on local identity and spirit. 'This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning. "I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success. "Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas to ensure that EATM2 continues to be the audience's choice. "And of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been our backbone and main source of inspiration since day one,' said Usamah Zaid Yasin, director of the EATM2 film. On the other hand, Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios, paid tribute to all those who worked on the project and said every one individual involved in the project deserve a pat on their back. 'This achievement is the result of our shared cooperation, trust and passion. We hope that the audience will continue to support EATM2 and help us reach our next collection target of RM60 million. "Only with your strong support can we realize our dream of producing the next Ejen Ali script, for the development of the local creative industry that will make Malaysia proud,' said Nini. From an animated series on television to the silver screen, Ejen Ali has grown into a mature and influential franchise. This second film not only strengthens the brand, but also reflects the evolution of local animated storytelling that is bolder, more dimensional and touches the hearts of various audiences. For the record, the film is still showing in cinemas nationwide. About Ejen Ali the Movie 2 Set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, 'Ejen Ali the Movie 2' follows a young boy who is accidentally recruited as a secret agent by the Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA) intelligence agency. Ejen Ali is eager to prove himself in Project Satria, MATA's latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted armored suit. As Ali struggles with his new responsibility to master Satria, he must accept MATA's decision to give his friend (and rival) Alicia the next holder of the supercomputer device, IRIS. Meanwhile, the hacker Neonimus resurfaces to wreak havoc on MATA, signaling a larger conspiracy in Cyberaya. Since its premiere on Malaysian television channel TV3 in 2016, 'Ejen Ali' has been broadcast and streamed in over 65 countries across South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and North America. The first two seasons of the series were followed by 'Ejen Ali The Movie' in November 2019, which grossed an impressive RM30 million (USD8 million) in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films in Malaysia to date. The latest installment, 'Ejen Ali Season 3', also holds the title of being the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, and will first launch exclusively on the streaming service in June 2022.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' dominates box office with RM50.7mil collection
KUALA LUMPUR: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' has solidified its position as Malaysia's top local animated film, now boasting an impressive RM50.7 million at the box office after just 18 days in cinemas. This outstanding achievement follows its record-breaking success last week when it surpassed the RM40 million mark. The film's performance demonstrates the growing recognition and affection for local animation among audiences, paving the way for Malaysian animation to expand and reach new heights. Since its premiere on 22 May, the movie has garnered an overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of viewers, including families, teenagers, and dedicated fans of the franchise. Audiences have consistently lauded its world-class technical production quality, moving storyline, and exhilarating cinematic experience, prompting many to watch it multiple times. According to film director Usamah Zaid Yasin, this remarkable success is a testament to the extraordinary support from fans and their faith in local productions. "Alhamdulillah, I'm grateful that this movie has received such an incredible response from audiences. I'm also deeply thankful to everyone at Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation who have worked tirelessly to promote this film," he said. Beyond its success in Malaysia and Brunei, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' also launched in the Singaporean market on June 5 and is set to premiere in Indonesia on June 27. These new market entries represent a significant stride in bringing Malaysian animation to a regional audience. They are also expected to generate new business opportunities in licensing and merchandising, through the sale of branded 'Ejen Ali' products such as clothing, school supplies, and toys. The film is currently still showing in cinemas nationwide.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysia's homegrown hero levels up in animated style
EJEN Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria proves lightning can strike twice. Following the smashing success of the first film in 2019, WAU Animation returns with a sequel that not only ups the ante but confidently shows that Malaysia can stand shoulder to shoulder with international animation studios. Directed by Usamah Zaid, with Nazmi Yatim as co-director, the film is sleek, smart and shockingly good, a thrilling ride that feels like a warm roti canai: familiar, satisfying and entirely homegrown. From its first scene to the action-packed finale, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 brims with heart and ambition, wrapped up in great animation and an emotionally charged storyline. The film continues the story of Ali, Malaysia's favourite young spy, as he takes on a new challenge involving the high-tech 'Project Satria' suit, a game-changing piece of AI-enhanced tech that would make even Iron Man raise an eyebrow. Winning the animation battle Make no mistake: this is not just a good local film. This is a good film, full stop. WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios have created something extraordinary, balancing slick animation with storytelling that resonates across age groups. The visuals are top-tier, the action choreography is tight and the voice acting is, quite frankly, a joy to behold. Ida Rahayu Yusoff returns as Ali with a performance that is both playful and grounded, while veterans like Azman Zulkiply and M. Nasir bring gravitas to the supporting cast. And let us talk about the animation: it is gorgeous. The visuals are vibrant and polished, with dynamic set pieces that rival international animated features. Explosions, neon backdrops, holographic interfaces, it all pops on screen. The futuristic tech in the movie never feels out of place, but instead, it showcases Malaysia's capacity to dream big and execute even bigger. Power of a good story, for all ages What sets Ejen Ali The Movie 2 apart is the storytelling. Without revealing any spoilers, the plot explores themes of responsibility, trust and friendship, while cleverly integrating new characters and expanding the Ejen Ali universe. It keeps things fresh without overcomplicating the narrative. And most importantly, it is fun. Kids will be glued to the screen, adults will be quietly impressed and even the occasional grumpy uncle might crack a smile. The film is crafted with a multi-generational audience in mind, an achievement that many bigger productions still struggle to nail. Whether it is enjoyed during a family movie night, a casual outing with friends, or even on a low-stakes date, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 checks all the right boxes. Glimpse into the future Of course, no movie is entirely free of quirks. While the film is overwhelmingly wholesome and cleverly paced, there is one element that raises an eyebrow, the ever-so-slight emotional tension between Ali and Alicia. It is subtle and never inappropriate, but it tiptoes on the edge of 'are they going there?' territory. Given that the characters are still children, it is a beat that might make some viewers shift in their seats. Fortunately, the film does not dwell on it, nor does it derail the overall narrative. If anything, it just leaves some scratching their heads and wondering whether that thread really needed to be there. Still, it is more of a passing curiosity than a major flaw. Boost for Malaysian cinema At a time when local productions often struggle to find big-screen space, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 roars in like a cinematic firework, reminding audiences and industry players alike of what is possible when talent meets passion and is backed by proper support. The film's use of Bahasa Malaysia does not alienate viewers, it elevates the authenticity. The soundtrack by Azri Yunus pulses with energy and the runtime flies by without a dull moment. Subtitles make it accessible to non-Malay speakers, but the core of the film remains proudly Malaysian. It is not trying to be Hollywood-lite, it is telling its own story on its own terms. There is something powerful about seeing a Malaysian boy save the day in a high-tech world that looks like something out of a Marvel blockbuster. It is aspirational, relatable and most importantly, ours. The poster teases how tech, teamwork and Malaysian heroism take center stage. Watch it, celebrate it, repeat it Ejen Ali The Movie 2 is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality storytelling, high-calibre animation and homegrown heroes. It is the kind of film that sparks imagination, encourages creative ambition and if nothing else, reminds everyone just how cool being Malaysian can be. Bring the kids, bring the friends, bring the sayang. This one is for everyone. DIRECTOR: Usamah Zaid, Nazmi Yatim CAST: Ida Rahayu Yusoff, Noorhayati Maslini, Shafiq Isa, Omar H. Ali, Su Ling Chan E-VALUE: 8/10 PLOT: 7/10 ACTING: 7/10
