By now, it is almost a tradition that Chinese New Year brings the release of a new Jack Neo movie. Next year is no exception, and this time, the movie will centre on something Singaporeans love – durians.
The Singaporean director announced his new film, The King Of Musang King, on Thursday. He spoke to local media over a Zoom interview from Malaysia, where it is now in production. Cast members Mark Lee, Yeo Yann Yann and Glenn Yong joined in on the call. The movie will also feature actors Henry Thia and Xixi Lim.
Neo said: “Many people enjoy durians, but do not know where Musang King comes from. So in this movie, everyone will get to understand the processes and business model through which durians reach us in Singapore.”
In the film, Yeo plays Mei Lian, a Malaysian woman who is dumped by her husband Jin Shui (played by Lee) for a Vietnamese woman. She continues to tend to a durian plantation left to her by her late father while single-handedly raising three children, one of whom is played by Yong.
Mei Lian develops feelings for her childhood friend Mao Shan (played by Neo), who has been a secret admirer of hers over the years. But in a twist of events, Jin Shui returns to the durian plantation when he realises his Vietnamese love interest was only after his money.
Neo said the movie will feature the closeness of family and the effort required to cultivate durians. Filming will take place in the town of Raub, in the state of Pahang, which is known as one of the top producers of the fruit.
“I visited lots of durian farms – big and small – before finding this filming location, and I promise to bring the most beautiful scenes of Mao Shan Wang durians here.”