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How Darkkey Nagaraja's Sambarock defied odds and inspired a generation, now immortalised in upcoming film ‘Aku Darkkey'
How Darkkey Nagaraja's Sambarock defied odds and inspired a generation, now immortalised in upcoming film ‘Aku Darkkey'

Yahoo

time24-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

How Darkkey Nagaraja's Sambarock defied odds and inspired a generation, now immortalised in upcoming film ‘Aku Darkkey'

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — For decades, the name Darkkey Nagaraja has resonated with Malaysian Tamil music fans, synonymous with a genre he pioneered: Sambarock. Born out of an audacious blend of traditional Tamil rhythms with rock and funk, Sambarock wasn't just a musical innovation—it was a movement. It challenged conventions, united communities, and redefined what local Tamil music could be. But for filmmaker Vicram Lachumanam, Darkkey's story is much more than a tale of musical success—it's a testament to resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and this is why he wants it to be heard internationally. 'We should not wait till our local talent is celebrated elsewhere; it's time for us to chest thump and say this is from us and this is a story to be told.' Vicram's connection to Darkkey began in his childhood, when he would help the musician sell cassettes during Thaipusam festivals, captivated by the man's relentless drive and unique sound. Today, Vicram channels that admiration into 'Aku Darkkey' ('I Am Darkkey'), the first-ever Malaysian Tamil documentary to chronicle the rise of an independent artist who broke barriers in the 1990s. 'For me, this isn't just a documentary—it's a deeply personal tribute,' Vicram shared. 'Darkkey's story represents the courage to defy norms, the grit to endure setbacks, and the triumph of staying true to one's art. It's a story that deserves to inspire generations.' The Birth of Sambarock Darkkey's greatest legacy lies in his creation of Sambarock, a genre that fused traditional Tamil music with rock and funk influences. At a time when international acts overshadowed Malaysian Tamil music, Darkkey's bold experiment was met with skepticism. Yet, through relentless dedication, he turned this unique sound into a movement, earning him the title 'King of Sambarock.' His band, The Keys, became household names, performing electrifying roadshows and concerts that brought communities together. It was this daring innovation that laid the foundation for a new era in Malaysian Tamil music, inspiring other independent artists and even gaining traction in India's competitive entertainment landscape. Albums like 'Akkamage,' which sold over 700,000 cassette copies, proved that a homegrown sound could resonate across borders. Hits such as 'Maravana' and 'Karatana' further solidified his legacy, with Sambarock becoming a cultural touchstone for Malaysian Tamil identity. Darkkey's global influence was further cemented recently with the inclusion of his track 'Puli Puli' in the Tamil action film 'Good Bad Ugly,' starring Ajith Kumar. Directed by Adhik Ravichandran, the film has received widespread attention for its high-octane action sequences and electrifying soundtrack. The song has captivated audiences in both Malaysia and India, marking the first time a Malaysian Tamil-language track has been prominently featured alongside one of India's biggest film stars. Behind the scenes: Director Vicram (left) and Darkkey (seated) during the shoot for the upcoming film in April 2026. — Picture by Kirran Prashaanth Celebrating a legacy The documentary delves deep into Darkkey's rise during an era where success was measured in cassette sales rather than streaming numbers or social media followers. It paints a vivid picture of an artist who relied on sheer grit and innovation to succeed in an industry dominated by imported sounds. Produced by Poketplay Sdn Bhd, led by Veerasegar Thyagarajan and S. Thiruvarasu, the project is a labour of love, driven by a shared vision to elevate local talent onto a global platform. With plans for theatrical and OTT releases in both Malaysia and India, 'Aku Darkkey' is not just a tribute to a musical icon but a celebration of cultural identity and perseverance. The creative team Adding to its impact is a star-studded creative team. Indian sound designer G. Suren, celebrated for his contributions to films like 'Jailer,' 'Karnan,' and the recent 'Retro,' lends his expertise to craft the film's audio experience. Meanwhile, Malaysian rapper Roshan Jamrock collaborates with Ashwath, a music producer acclaimed for his work on films like 'FIR' and 'Inspector Rishi.' Together, Roshan and Ashwath aim to channel the electrifying essence of Sambarock, introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Adding a visual edge to the project is Mango Post, an industry leader known for its cutting-edge work in VFX and DI (Digital Intermediate), ensuring the documentary is as visually striking as its subject matter. Behind the scenes: Ongoing shoot in Darkkey's hometown of Kuala Lipis, Pahang. — Picture by Kishyen Rao Publicity designer Tuney John, celebrated in the Indian film industry (Kollywood) for crafting iconic posters and promotional materials, including for the blockbuster 'Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1,' and 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' brings his creative vision to 'Aku Darkkey,' promising a bold and compelling visual identity. A video glimpse of the documentary was released on June 18 by renowned Indian composer G.V. Prakash, creating excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. The glimpse offered a tantalizing preview of the passion and energy behind 'Aku Darkkey,' sparking anticipation for the full release expected in April next year. 'Darkkey's story is not just his own; it's Malaysia's story,' said Veerasegar. 'It's about daring to dream, embracing our roots, and proving that our local talent deserves to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international icons.' With 'Aku Darkkey,' Darkkey Nagaraja's legacy is set to reach new heights, ensuring his pioneering spirit continues to inspire for generations to come.

#SHOWBIZ: Sun-J marks Jagat's 10th anniversary with re-release, sequels
#SHOWBIZ: Sun-J marks Jagat's 10th anniversary with re-release, sequels

New Straits Times

time12-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Sun-J marks Jagat's 10th anniversary with re-release, sequels

MALAYSIAN Tamil-language film 'Jagat' (2015) returns to the big screen on May 23 for a nationwide re-release, marking its 10th anniversary. Joining the celebration are two new feature films serving as spiritual sequels titled 'Macai', a gritty crime drama premiering on July 24, and 'Fire On Water', a satirical romantic drama debuting on Sept 18. While each film is a standalone, both explore alternate life paths for Appoy, the young protagonist of the original story. EAST MALAYSIA Its director, Shanjhey (Sun-J) Kumar Perumal, 45, revealed that 'Jagat' will be screened in cinemas in Sabah and Sarawak for the first time, along with 'Macai' and 'Fire On Wate'r. Regarded as one of the best Tamil-language films from Malaysia, 'Jagat' grossed over RM330,000 at the box office and took home the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the 28th Malaysian Film Festival. In a recent interview with NST, Sun-J said: " 'Macai' is a gritty crime thriller, and 'Fire On Water' a satirical romantic drama. While each stands alone in terms of genre and narrative, they are thematically linked through a shared origin: the crucial turning point faced by Appoy, the young protagonist of 'Jagat'. "In the haunting finale of 'Jagat', Appoy appears to be on the cusp of entering the criminal underworld. But what if he has chosen another path? "These two films explore divergent possibilities born from that moment. 'Fire On Water' reimagines Appoy as a thoughtful, academically inclined youth who eventually becomes a filmmaker, using cinema as a means to explore questions of identity, love, and artistic truth. 'Macai', on the other hand, envisions the darker path — Appoy's descent into drugs, violence, and systemic entrapment." SPIRITUAL Sun-J said that together, they function as spiritual sequels to 'Jagat', exploring parallel realities that illustrate how a single decision can lead to radically different destinies. Development on both films began between 2018 and 2021, with production spanning from 2022 to 2024. "I discovered actor Harvin Raj while I was shooting a documentary for MySkills Foundation — an organisation that came on board as a co-producer for 'Jagat'. "I first saw him at the Tamil school in Melawati. There was something about him — his boyish look, his innocence, and the quiet intensity in his presence — that immediately struck me. "I instinctively felt he was meant to be the lead," said Sun-J. The greatest challenge in all three films was securing both the budget and the right talent. "Although my budgets for 'Macai' and 'Fire On Water' were each roughly double what I had on 'Jagat', they still amounted to only about a quarter of the financing typical for mainstream Malaysian Tamil or Malay releases. "Even with accolades like Best Film and Best New Director under my belt, finding investors willing to back a Malaysian Tamil feature remains an uphill battle. "Thankfully, government creative‐industry grants allowed me to match the original budget for — effectively doubling my resources for each subsequent production. "To make every ringgit and every crew member count, I wore multiple hats — director, producer, meticulously overseeing every department." UNIVERSAL Sun-J's stories tap into a universal truth about the human condition — yet they aren't inherently crafted for mainstream tastes. "My goal has always been to bridge that gap, to engage a wider audience without sacrificing authenticity or emotional honesty." Sun-J is fortunate to build ongoing collaborations with three exceptional talents. First, Karnan Kanapathy who appeared as the minor character Rocho in 'Jagat' but went on to carry the leads in 'Macai' and 'Fire On Water'. Second, Kuben Mahadevan, who played Appoy's father Maniam in 'Jagat', and took on the role of the henchman lead in 'Macai' and embodied Appoy's loyal friend in 'Fire On Water'. Third, Tinesh Sarathi Krishnan who debuted as Chicago in 'Jagat' and later portrayed a pivotal middle‑aged character in 'Fire On Water'. "Both Karnan and Tinesh were nominated for Best Actor at the same BMW Shorties competition — Karnan ultimately swept the award," said Sun-J. Sun-J said that while Malaysian Tamil cinema has undeniably advanced in technical quality — thanks largely to more affordable, high‑performance equipment — its storytelling and sensibilities remain, for the most part, heavily indebted to South Indian formulas. "Aside from Shobaan's 'Simple Manushan', which breaks the mould, few features depart from that influence. "However, a new wave of filmmakers is beginning to flip the script. "Ananth Subramaniam's short 'Bleat' is slated for Cannes' Critics' Week, while Krityishaa Karunagaran swept multiple categories — including Best Short Film — at the latest BMW Shorties for 'Tomorrow is Spring'. "Within a few years, I'm confident we'll see Malaysian Tamil features that honour our cultural roots and assert a fresh, autonomous aesthetic — stories that are unmistakably ours, told with both technical confidence and creative daring," said Sun-J. BRIDGE He added: "We can bridge gaps between Malaysia's many communities, fostering empathy and shared understanding among Malaysians themselves. "Beyond our shores, too, the opportunity is vast, for example with some 80 million Tamil speakers around the world, the non‑Malay/non‑English market dwarfs our local audience — but has so far been largely focused on South India. "I believe that, with time — and strategic government support to help fund and distribute multilingual Malaysian stories — these boundaries will eventually fall." Sun-J concluded that with such interventions, he is confident the non-Malay and non-English Malaysian cinema can break through market constraints and claim its place on the world stage.

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