Viu has launched its second Viu Original for 2023 with Alter-Naratif, a psychological thriller based on the winning pitch by law graduate and journalist Aina Izzah at the Viu Pitching Forum in 2021. The series was further developed by head writer Rafidah Abdullah (She Was Pretty, Istanbul Aku Datang!, Gol & Gincu) and is directed by award-winning director Faisal Ishak (Isteri Misteri, Juvana, Nur Kasih). The eight-episode series will debut on the platform on 25 May 2023 as new episodes released every Thursday.
Kingsley Warner, Country Head, Viu Malaysia, said, “Alter-Naratif starts with a fantastic premise – if memories can be manipulated, how can you be sure of who you are? Based on the winning pitch from our Viu Pitching Forum in 2021, we believe Viu-ers will surely enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed making it. The Viu Pitching Forum is a programme that Viu runs locally in markets to provide budding screenwriters across the region with a platform to develop their stories into a Viu Original drama, under the guidance of industry professionals. We believe in investing in the creative ecosystem in Malaysia and we are very proud to have produced the winning story as a Viu Original.”
Featuring a strong lineup of award-winning female stars including Nabila Huda, Liyana Jasmay, and Neera Azizi as well as a talented cast including Gambit Saifullah, Rahim Omar, Adlin Aman Ramlie, Namron, Anas Ridzuan, and Gisnervern Arikrishnan, the Viu Original is a sci-fi drama that looks to engage and thrill audiences both in Malaysia and around the region.
The series also features the original soundtrack, Ilusi Keliru by Amir Masdi, composed by Rudy Nastia, Adi Pawana and Shamin Nazri.
Alter-Naratif tells the story of Mel Isa, the CEO of the Electric Dust Agency (EDA), a company that has developed the technology to delete and replace people’s memories. Mel champions the technology as the future of psychotherapy, helping trauma victims rebuild their lives. But when she starts experiencing blackouts and hallucinations, Mel suspects that her own memories have been tampered with. As her investigations lead her to the echoes of a crime that took place two decades ago, Mel begins to question whom she can trust, including herself.
Nabila Huda plays Mel Isa. Nabila previously starred in Viu Malaysia’s hit adaptation of the K-drama Black, which earned her the National Winner title for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards. Nabila also won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award at the 30th Malaysian Film Festival in 2019 for her role in the movie Makrifat Cinta, and the Best Actress award at the 23rd Screen Awards that same year for her performance in the drama Dia Tak Berdosa.
Liyana Jasmay joins the cast as Aira Kamal, Mel’s best friend and right-hand woman at EDA, but their friendship is about to be put to the test. Liyana Jasmay has appeared in dramas such as Histeria The Series and movies like Sindiket, Isyarat Cinta, and Bella & Jamie. In addition to her acting career, Liyana also produced and directed the dramas Life Lila and The Gadis. Liyana’s accolades include winning the Popular Film Actress award at Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian in 2010 and the Best Actress award at the Malaysian Film Festival in 2009.
Completing the trio of female leads is Neera Azizi, who plays Kina Jaafar, a talented neural-coder who recently joined the team at EDA but may be pursuing her own agenda. Neera began her career in 2016 and has since starred in dramas like Miss Kapten Cikgu Waiz, Nasi Kerabu Untuk Che Abe, Nurlaila, and more recently, Bukan Syurga Pilihan. In 2017, she was nominated for Popular New Female Artist at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian.
Gambit Saifullah takes on the role of Sam, a young man whom Aira meets one day and finds herself inexplicably drawn to, despite his bad boy persona. Gambit Saifullah is known for his role in the military action movie Paskal and dramas such as Suamiku Lelaki Pendosa and Bisik-Bisik Gelora.
Rahim Omar stars as Isa Iskandar, the founder of EDA who stepped back to let Mel take the reins of the company but continues to watch and criticise her every move. Rahim Omar is a veteran actor who has appeared in a variety of series including Ash & Aish and Black.
Alter-Naratif is on the Viu app, which is free to download from the App Store, Google Play, Huawei App Gallery, and selected smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.