Tay Ping Hui Embraces Malay Challenge in Debut Film Magik Rompak

Singaporean actor Tay Ping Hui has taken a bold step into new territory with his debut performance in the Malay-language film Magik Rompak, a Malaysian heist thriller currently screening in cinemas across Singapore. At 54 years old, Tay faced a significant challenge as approximately 80 percent of his dialogue was in Malay, a language he does not speak. To prepare for the role, he relied on rote memorisation, learning not only his lines but also those of his fellow actors word for word.

In a recent promotional event for the film, Tay revealed the extent of his language barrier. Conducted primarily in Malay, the interviews left him feeling somewhat lost. “I caught maybe 10 percent of what was being said. While everyone else was talking, I just smiled and nodded,” he shared during a joint video interview with director Adrian Teh for Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao in early September. Tay humorously noted that the Malay he had learned for the film was only useful during shopping trips while in Malaysia.

Despite his struggles, Tay assessed his acting performance as a modest three to five out of ten. Teh, however, disagreed, suggesting that Tay was too hard on himself. He expressed satisfaction with Tay’s pronunciation, remarking that it sounded “exactly like a Malaysian Chinese speaking Malay.”

Collaboration and Storyline

marks the first collaboration between Tay and Teh, a partnership Tay had long desired due to his admiration for the director’s work. The film follows a magician who teams up with three professional thieves to steal a piece of priceless jewellery from Tay’s character, the antagonist, during a lavish retirement party. Although Tay’s screen time is limited, he believes his character plays a crucial role in advancing the plot, stating, “Even when I’m off-screen, my presence is felt.”

While comparisons to blockbuster films like Ocean’s Eleven and Now You See Me may arise, Teh emphasised that the story, characters, and motivations in are distinctly different. He aimed to deliver a fresh narrative, steering clear of the traditional gangster and horror themes prevalent in Malaysian cinema. “Someone has to be brave enough to open new ground,” Teh asserted, highlighting the need for diverse storytelling in the industry.

Encouraging Viewers

Tay urged audiences in Singapore to not let language barriers deter them from enjoying the film. He believes that the themes and spirit of are elements rarely seen in Singapore-Malaysia cinema. The film not only showcases a thrilling narrative but also represents a significant step in the evolution of cross-cultural collaborations in the region.

As September 2023 unfolds, Magik Rompak invites viewers to experience a unique cinematic journey that bridges language and cultural divides, proving that storytelling transcends spoken words.