Writer: Peter Chai

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Watch this if you liked: “Cinta Kura-Kura” and “Madu Tiga”

Directed by Nizam Zakaria, "Kahwin 5" centres on Dr. K (Usop Wilcha), a successful entrepreneur who is not only known for his huge business in selling plastic bowls, but is also regarded as one of happiest men in town for having four wives from different states in Malaysia, Saadiah (Dian P.Ramlee) from Selangor, Sahara (Adrea Abdullah) from Kelantan, Monalisa (Norish Karman) from Negeri Sembilan and Mimi (Marsha Milan) from Sabah. During a meeting with his assistant Rahim (Fizz Fairuz), Dr. K is introduced to Farra (Anzalna Nasir), his sexy new co-worker, leading him to think dirty thoughts. Dr. K soon finds himself lying on a hotel bed beside Farra when they are stationed in Johor Bahru for work. In comes Farra's fierce brother Ciko (Soffi Jikan), who threatens him to marry Farra or else, and Dr.K becomes trapped in a dilemma on which of his wives to divorce in order to accommodate another marriage due to the law of only marrying four women.

First of all, having Usop Wilcha playing the main role Dr. K in this erotic comedy is like adding honey on an already delicious pie. His acting on being an aging pervert is a mix of funniness and realism. Regardless of you are a man or woman, Wilcha's performance will not fail to put you in Dr. K's shoes immediately and let you experience what guys think about being faithful and their desire to succumb to temptation.

"Kahwin 5" is definitely a piece that reminds you of P. Ramlee's 1964 classic "Madu Tiga" that has been a fond memory to most of the older generation of moviegoers in this country. Despite the differences in filmmaking qualities, cast and technology, Zakaria's second film plays around with the issue of polygamy like what P. Ramlee did in the 1960s in a more contemporary setting that lets audiences relate better.

Watching the catfight among the wives with different personalities and ages is quite impressive and entertaining as they use various languages, especially when it comes to Sahara's fluent Kelatanese slang that might provoke you into arguing as well.

However, the highlight of the film would be the scene where Dr. K inquires for advice from the Islamic leader at the mosque and his long explanation to Rahim on why he would not separate from any of his existing wives for Farra and Ciko's threatening expectations. You will go through a sentimental flashback moment with Dr. K when he recalls his younger days with his first wife Saadiah, an obedient companion who is unable to give birth to a child, his shocking meeting with his second fierce wife Sahara and unforgettable relationships with the wise Monalisa and innocent Mimi.

You might be disappointed with Zakaria's directorial debut and made-for-younger-audiences film "Cinta Kura-Kura" months ago, but this reviewer recommends you to give "Kahwin 5" a try to see how the Singaporean-born filmmaker tackles the ongoing adult issue in our society.

Cinema Online, 20 December 2012