The unforeseen success of "Nasi Lemak 2.0" definitely managed to shock many, as the controversy surrounding the debut effort of Namewee proved to not deter the film's goal of making it at the local box office at third place for three weeks in a row. We sure many are wondering what are the factors that contributed to the film's success that managed to let it collect RM 7 mil thus far. Thankfully we caught up with Namewee and Adibah Noor at the wrap party, where they shared their thoughts on controversy and what makes the movie truly unique. Interview with Namewee and Adibah Noor with Cinema Online conducted recently at the "Nasi Lemak 2.0" Wrap Party, Q: "Nasi Lemak 2.0" managed to collect RM 7 million at the local box office. Did you guys expect the film to receive such a good response? Adibah: I was shocked. Because the film didn't qualify for the 'wajib tayang' (compulsory screening) and that fact also didn't help to convince the cinemas, thus we were given only small halls and limited screenings. Based on all the problems we faced, I'm proud that the film managed to collect RM 7 mil. Namewee: Just like Adibah, I am also shocked and didn't imagine the film to generate so much of collection. "Nasi Lemak 2.0" is the first Chinese film that has collected that much, before this there was never a local Chinese movie that did as well. Q: What is the factor that allowed this film to do well at the box office? Is it due to the controversy surrounding Namewee? Adibah Noor: I would say that it is definitely one of them, but this film is also a good piece of work on its own. The content of the film and the storyline of the film are not meant to harm anyone, so if anybody would want to criticise it, then it would be only because of Namewee. Namewee: Yes, I admit that controversy is one of the driving success of the film. I didn't have the budget to promote the film. I only promoted it through Facebook and my friends supported me. Q: Adibah, from your perspective, what do you honestly think of Namewee? Adibah Noor: He is a young man with a slight temper, needs guidance, funny and sweet. Namewee is also someone who knows how to respect those around him. During our shoot, none of us who were Malay was looked down upon or anything like that.
Q: There is a bunch of people whole started to label and criticise the film without even watching "Nasi Lemak 2.0", what are your opinions of that? Adibah Noor: When the heart is already filled with hate, whatever people say will not make a difference to that person. However, I would challenge them to watch this movie and only comment on it after that. Namewee: Many people have misunderstood me. I've already apologised many times and explained the truth. Maybe they just don't get me, but give me a chance and watch my film first. Even if you don't like it, it's ok. In my opinion, even the nicest person will not be liked by everyone somehow. Q: Namewee, have you ever regretted all the controversy that has befallen you and consequently onto "Nasi Lemak 2.0" as well? Namewee: Regret because I didn't generate a controversy, all I did was to speak what is right and what is real. The controversy is what people gave me, I did not create it for myself.