KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — As the content streaming market in Malaysia continues to grow, iQiyi International, an on-demand video streaming service that provides pan-Asian entertainment has commenced production for its first two Malaysian originals “Sorry Naik Lori” and “Rampas Cintaku.”
Both “Sorry Naik Lori” and “Rampas Cintaku” are expected to be released globally and exclusively on the iQiyi platform later in the year.
To reward its users and local drama fans, iQiyi is also providing a unique opportunity for them to engage with their favorite stars on set during production and even participate in the production itself. In collaboration with Tiktok, iQiyi is launching its “iQiyi Catwalk Challenge” that would grant 5 lucky winners the opportunity to be a part of and make an appearance in the shooting of “Sorry Naik Lori”, on top of winning an attractive RM500 cash reward. The contest period will run from 5th-12th June. Additional details will be posted on iQiyi’s official TikTok and Instagram accounts.
“OTT streaming continues to rise and demand for Asian content in the region is at an all-time high. As the Home for Asian Entertainment, iQiyi is committed towards continuously delivering high-quality Asian entertainment to audiences coupled with superior experiences beyond simply viewing their favorite content. A key pillar of us delivering this entertainment experience here in Malaysia is ensuring ample supply of high-quality local content. Since our foray into the local market in 2020, we’ve licensed some of the biggest local dramas from our partners Media Prima and Astro. Kickstarting our first original drama productions marks another key milestone for us as we continue to invest in and grow the local content ecosystem,” said Dinesh Ratnam, country manager of iQiyi Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
“Keeping our users at the core of everything we do, we are also creating new and fresh experiences around our originals that enable fans the opportunity to participate, interact and join us and their favorite stars across the entire journey from production to release. The challenge we are creating in collaboration with Tiktok is just the first of many other experiences we want to create around our originals for our users,” he added.
Sorry Naik Lori
A collaboration with renowned local production house Tsar Asia, “Sorry Naik Lori” is a modern-day take on spousal dynamics through comedy and drama. It follows Khairul, a young lorry driver who lives in Penang with his wife Nadia, a housewife. Nadia dreams to become a social media influencer. One day a random NikNok post of her at the restaurant propels her to fame. She soon receives an offer from a talent agency.
Meanwhile, Khairul’s determination for extra income is met with resistance by bullies at work. All these resulted in a strain in their relationship and caused Khairul to feel insecure. With a star-studded cast including Nazim Othman, Ruhainies, Tajul, Nafiz Muaz, Sheila Mambo, Asha Zainul, and Ahmad Saffuan, “Sorry Naik Lori” will keep viewers hooked with multiple plot twists and character development. Shot in various locations across the country, fans in different states will also be able to resonate with the diverse local culture featured in the drama.
Rampas Cintaku
In collaboration with well-established production house MIG Productions, “Rampas Cintaku” stars Afieq Shazwan, popular female celebrity Fasha Sandha, Zarul Husin, and Ady Mohammad in a dark romantic story adapted from a novel that strays from conventional story-telling. It tells the story of Riz, a young man desperate to get out of debt, poverty, and harassment from loan sharks. He decides to work in a nightclub for better wages where he meets wealthy and illustrious businesswoman, Datin Safieya. While married to Dato Jeffri, she entices Rizal and promises him a life of luxury should he agree to be her sugar baby. Filled with twists, “Rampas Cintaku” promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
