Local action thriller The Experts a rollercoaster ride of family loyalty among thieves

Hitting cinemas May 23, films features Datuk Aaron Aziz, Syafiq Kyle, Mimi Lana among others and aims to draw attention with familial elements instead of explosions

The cast and crew of The Experts (standing from left to right) Ayam Fared, Andre Chiew, Aaron Aziz, Mimi Lana, Raja Jastina, Tan Lay Han, Joel Soh, Remy Ishak, (kneeling from left to right) Jay Iswazir, Syafiq Kyle, Ray Dap Dap, Tony Eusoff during a press conference recently. The film is set to hit cinemas on May 23. – Scoop pic, May 4, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – After delays due to lockdowns for the Covid-19 pandemic, the cast and crew of The Experts are excited to thrill movie-goers with their heist action film. 

Although it is set as an action film, scriptwriter Joel Soh said The Experts would not rely on explosions and the use of firearms but instead would draw on the strength of its characters. 

“It’s a bit different from other action movies. We do not rely on assets.

“In other movies, we might blow up cars or use firearms but for this movie, we use the idea of family connectedness,” Soh told the media at a recent session for the press to introduce the film that will hit theatres on May 23. 

The Experts features a Malaysian ensemble cast including Datuk Aaron Aziz, Syafiq Kyle, Mimi Lana, Remy Ishak, and Ray Dapdap – portraying five siblings who have retired from their thieving days, but are called to embark on their most ambitious heist ever.

The Experts’ scriptwriter Joel Soh said despite it being an action film, the filmmakers would not rely on explosions and the use of firearms, but instead draw on the strength of its characters instead. – Astro Shaw pic, May 4, 2024 

Sharing insights into their preparation process, cast members opened up about challenges they faced during production. 

“Training for almost a year tested my physical and mental endurance, but it was necessary to do justice to the character and the story we’re telling. 

“I had never imagined the level of dedication required for this role,” said Mimi Lana, adding that it was her first action film.  

Ray Dapdap, whose real name is Shah Reza Mohd Shah, said that the movement control order (MCO) for the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 had made the filming journey difficult.  

“We took a long time to build the chemistry between the five of us, even before the start of MCO we started to hang out a lot to bond.

“We had to postpone our rehearsals for a while and recontinue after MCO, and that alone took us a few years to continue from where we left off.  

“Building chemistry with my fellow actors took time and effort, but it was worth the time in bringing our characters’ relationships to life on screen,” he said.  

The Experts will see the five siblings reunite for their biggest heist that will require them to risk everything they cherish. 

As a result of blackmail, they are forced to take on one last job and along the way, confront old grudges, family tragedy and their criminal past. 

Ultimately, they will have to decide if family comes first. 

The film’s executive producer and head of Astro Shaw, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, said The Experts was inspired by various true events around the world, 

“The movie weaves together elements of comedy, action and family.  

“We deliver storyline about the heist with plot twist that involves a heist in a heist and a sweet ending and some surprises,” Raja Jastina said.  

Astro Shaw’s last film, Sheriff, collected a whopping RM44.5 million, making it the highest grossing Malaysian film of this year. – May 4, 2024