By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- A 24-hour training experience with VAT 69 Commando personnel was among the key preparations undertaken by actor Fadlan Hazim for his role as Sergeant Apot in the military action film Takluk 2: Op Daulat.
Fadlan, whose full name is Fadlan Hazim Anuwar, 34, said the training gave him a closer insight into the physical demands and discipline required of commando personnel, helping him portray the character more realistically.
He said one of the challenges was adapting to heavy combat equipment, including a helmet and body armour vest weighing nearly 10 kilogrammes, as well as handling weapons and learning shooting techniques.
“When compared with their actual training, I would estimate that what I went through was only about 60 per cent of it. Even that was physically demanding. So, I really respect these personnel,” he told reporters after the Takluk 2: Op Daulat film soft launch at Wisma Pertahanan recently.
The experience also opened his eyes to the endurance and sacrifices of security personnel, particularly after witnessing first-hand how they carried out their duties during filming sessions that lasted up to 16 hours a day.
Fadlan said that unlike actors, who have opportunities to rest when tired, the commando and military personnel accompanying them on location had to remain ready to carry out their duties.
“From that experience, I have come to appreciate their endurance and sacrifices for the country even more, because it is no easy task,” he said.
In developing the character of Sergeant Apot, he also drew inspiration from his late grandfather, a sergeant in the military, whom he described as strict in the line of duty but gentle with his family.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Datuk Eman Manan said preparing to bring a character to life required more than physical ability, as it also demanded knowledge of and a deep understanding of the character.
He said the intellectual, emotional and physical aspects had to work in tandem to ensure that a character was portrayed convincingly to audiences.
Directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, the film is inspired by the 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion and Ops Daulat, during which security forces defended the country’s sovereignty. It is a continuation of the film Takluk: Lahad Datu, which was released in 2024.
Takluk 2: Op Daulat is scheduled to hit cinemas on Nov 26, and also stars Syafiq Kyle, Datuk Remy Ishak, Kamal Adli and Sara Ali.
-- BERNAMA