Writer: Edel Matilda Victor

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "Nana Tanjung", "Mami Jarum", "Main-Main Cinta"

The movie opens in the set of a television talk-show programme called "Otai". Aiman (Saipul Apek) is awarded the title 'suami mithali' (exemplary husband) and he shares his story with the audience.

A flashback takes us to the start of the story. Married for three years and without a child, Aiman and wife, Azura (Nasha Aziz), undergo pressure from both in-laws. Aiman's dad, Tan Sri Mansur (Saleh Yakob), threatens that if he doesn't have a grandchild by the end of the year, he would give away all his inheritance to orphans!

On the other hand, the couple is also urged to go for a medical checkup. The results show that Azura has a problem conceiving. After much deliberation, Azura agrees to allow Aiman to marry for the second time but the decision doesn't come easily and is even attached with seven conditions! Aiman pretends to be upset by his wife's decision but secretly sets up a plan together with his good friend Sammy (Yassin) to find him a suitable bride.

Azura is fussy in the picking process and demands for a girl that isn't pretty. So after scheming, Aiman manages to marry Mawar (Faeza), the girl of his choice, by disguising her as a village girl. Nevertheless, Azura faints on the wedding day after seeing Mawar's true beauty and when rushed to the hospital, Azura is discovered to be pregnant!

Conflict arises when both wives return to the same home and Azura fumes with jealousy over Mawar. Unable to tolerate their attitudes, Aiman avoids both wives and seeks Sammy's help once again to find wife number three!

When Mawar and Azura find out, they regret and start begging Sammy to bring them to the wedding. There they plead for forgiveness but Aiman cares only for the wedding. This time however, it is Mawar who faints but what is the cause and who was the one who got married? How will the story end with Aiman and his wives?

Two thumbs up to the director for treading on sensitive ground with utmost care and for transforming the issue of polygamy into a hilarious and entertaining comedy that's suitable for all. It is portrayed in such a way that your attention sticks with the show and the passing of time is not felt at all!

The perfectly cast line-up all bring out the best in their roles. The famous ones - Saiful Apek, Nasha Aziz, Yassin and Aznil have no trouble with all the right touches of facial expressions. For one that's relatively new to the cinema industry, the sweet Faeza definitely comes across as likeable.

The "Otai" music score handled by KRU Music is catchy and the tunes stay in one's mind even after exiting the cinema. Sound effects were good throughout the movie especially during Aznil's comedy bits.

Overall, "Otai" has proven to be a quality production from the 'otai' (old-timer) of the industry, Prof. Madya A. Razak Mohaideen. He has introduced a very poignant topic, blended it with the right genre and presented it with the perfect characters. For one who has already produced movies such as "Nana Tanjung", "Mami Jarum" and "Main-main Cinta", it comes as no surprise that through "Otai" we can truly appreciate his presence in our Malaysian film industry. It's definitely worth a watch this Raya season.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008