Sun-J Perumal, an acclaimed Malaysian filmmaker and writer based in Kuala Lumpur, is celebrated for his raw storytelling and dedication to portraying the rich complexities of Malaysian society.
He made a powerful impact with his debut feature film Jagat (2015), a poignant coming-of-age crime drama that earned the prestigious Best Malaysian Film award at the 2016 Malaysian Film Festival (FFM). This historic win marked a significant milestone, as Jagat became the first non-Malay language film to receive the top honour in the festival’s 28-year history.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Jagat, one of Malaysia’s most critically acclaimed films. To commemorate a decade of this landmark cinematic achievement, the creators have made an exciting announcement: the Jagat universe is set to expand with two new films that will soon hit the big screen.
As part of the celebration, the original Jagat will be re-released, allowing audiences to relive the film that redefined Malaysian cinema. Alongside this, the filmmakers revealed the titles of the upcoming movies—Macai and Neer Mel Neruppu. However, in a recent update, the makers announced a reshuffling of the release schedule. They also revealed that Neer Mel Neruppu will now officially be titled Blues Hereafter.
The updated release schedule is as follows: Jagat will be re-released on 29 August 2025, followed by the premiere of Macai on 18 September 2025, and finally, Blues—formerly titled Neer Mel Neruppu—will be released on 6 November 2025.
Jagat tells the poignant story of a young, artistic mind struggling to survive under the weight of a rigid education system and societal expectations. As the pressure mounts, he risks everything in a courageous fight to preserve his creative identity.
Macai
Macai centers on the gritty and compelling story of a drug dealer navigating the underbelly of society. Notably, the film was screened at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam 2025, earning international attention for its bold narrative. Macai stars Karnan Kanapathy, Kuben Mahadevan, Irfan Zaini, Subashini Asokan and many more.
Blues
Meanwhile, Blues—formerly titled Neer Mel Neruppu—follows the journey of a filmmaker and offers a thought-provoking exploration of creative struggles. The film features a talented cast including Karnan Kanapathy, Rubini Sambanthan, Rupini Krishnan, Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan and others. Blues was also selected and premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2024, marking another milestone for Malaysian cinema. Both films present compelling stories that promise to captivate audiences with their depth and originality.
While each film stands strong as an individual narrative, together they form a compelling trilogy that explores alternate life paths of a single character — Appoy, the young protagonist from Jagat. In the original film, Appoy is gradually drawn into the world of gang violence. But what if he had taken a different path?
Blues reimagines Appoy as a determined student who grows into a filmmaker, pursuing his creative aspirations. Macai, on the other hand, envisions his descent into the dark underworld of the drug trade. These films act as spiritual sequels to Jagat, offering a thought-provoking exploration of identity, choice, and the powerful influence of social environments — all told through a uniquely Malaysian perspective with themes that resonate far beyond its borders.
As the Jagat universe expands, Sun-J Perumal and his team continue to push boundaries and elevate Malaysian storytelling on both local and international stages. With the re-release of Jagat and the debut of Macai and Blues, audiences can look forward to a powerful cinematic trilogy that reflects the realities, struggles, and creative spirit of Malaysian life. This 10-year milestone is not just a celebration of one groundbreaking film, but a testament to the enduring impact of authentic storytelling and the visionary filmmakers behind it.
All information and images has been provided by Poketplay Films.
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