A team of South Indian filmmakers is gearing up to film a Tamil romance movie exclusively in Sabah, highlighting the state’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and welcoming community. Led by V Creations producer Prabu Thanu, the project seeks to establish Sabah as a prime location for international film productions while also exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights from India, further strengthening ties between the two regions.
Prabu, the son of renowned Indian film producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu, brings extensive industry expertise to this project. His Chennai-based production company, V Creations, has a strong track record of delivering box office hits, including Theri and Naane Varuvean.
Notably, the company also produced Kabali, a blockbuster starring superstar Rajinikanth, which was filmed in Malaysia and received widespread acclaim. This upcoming Tamil romance film marks V Creations’ 50th production, a significant milestone that further cements its legacy in the Indian film industry. With its impressive portfolio and commitment to high-quality storytelling, the production house continues to make a lasting impact on global cinema.
At a press conference held at a local hotel on Sunday, Prabu shared that the team has shortlisted several picturesque locations, including Semporna and Ranau, following an initial three-day scouting trip. They intend to return for an additional week of site exploration before officially beginning the six-month production. The project will see a team of 80 to 100 crew members from India working on bringing the film to life in Sabah’s stunning landscapes.
Prabu also highlighted their commitment to hiring local technicians and workers, ensuring that Sabah’s talent plays an integral role in the production. Although the cast has yet to be revealed, he shared his enthusiasm for crafting a romance film that showcases Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes. From its lively streets and pristine island resorts to its towering mountains, the film aims to capture the state’s natural beauty on the big screen.
“Our vision is to establish Sabah as a prime destination for Indian cinema and even Hollywood productions. This project could be the turning point,” Prabu stated.
The initiative has received strong backing from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), which has been actively positioning the state as a sought-after filming location. STB’s efforts began with a presentation to 50 film producers in Chennai last year, leading to Sunday’s announcement after months of engagement and follow-ups.
STB CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit emphasized the larger objective of the collaboration: establishing direct flights between Sabah and India. “Although our recent initiatives in Delhi did not lead to immediate success due to low demand, we are confident that this film will generate interest among Indian travelers and industry stakeholders, ultimately paving the way for direct flights,” he stated.
The event also featured the signing of a joint collaboration proposal between STB and V Creations, marking a significant step toward their partnership. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including STB senior marketing manager Humphrey Ginibun, production cameraman Kailasam Abambaram, movie producer Dinesh Babu, and SS World Holiday India director Punniya Ramanathan Ravichandran.
As Sabah gets ready to host the film crew later this year, there is great anticipation that this project will not only highlight the state’s stunning landscapes but also foster stronger cultural and economic connections between Sabah and India.
Source: Malay Mail
