It’s a new year and that means making plans to catch new movies, TV shows or find out if your favourite star is getting hitched. Here are 10 entertainment-related events that you don’t want to miss out in 2018.
1. Natchathira Vizha 2018, Jan 6
Look out for Rajinikanth at Natchathira Vizha 2018. Photo: Filepic
A festival with Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan will take place on Jan 6 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The exciting event will see artistes doing music performances, play cricket and football with local teams.
Other stars who are expected to be at Natchathira Vizha 2018 include actors Surya, Vishal, Sivakarthikeyan and playback singer Karthik.
2. Think Big Big, Feb 15
The Journey and OlaBola director Chiu Keng Guan returns with his highly-anticipated new film Think Big Big. It revolves around the story of Moon, a mascot performer whose life changes after she joins a slimming competition.
With fame and fortune taking over, Moon becomes an arrogant person and eventually loses the support of her loved ones. Can she redeem herself?
3. Big Bang’s Taeyang to marry, February
Taeyang took to Instagram to announce his engagement with Min. Photo: Instagram
In December last year, Taeyang announced that he is engaged to 31-year-old actress Min Hyo-rin. His agency YG Entertainment confirms that the pair will wed in February. After that, 29-year-old Taeyang is expected to enlist for mandatory military service in South Korea.
Expect a gorgeous, glamourous wedding just like Song Joong-ki and Soong Hye Kyo’s dreamy floral-themed ceremony.
4. Lee Chong Wei: Rise Of The Legend, March 15
Living legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s story of how he became a badminton hero will be told in this biopic. Tentatively scheduled for nationwide release on March 15, Lee will be played by newcomer Tosh Chan with Datuk Rosyam Nor as Datuk Misbun Sidek.
Prepare to cheer, maybe cry and be inspired when you watch this movie.
5. Banteras, TBC
Sangeeta Krishnasamy stars in Banteras, an upcoming TV series about battling corruption. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
Malaysia Film Festival Best Actress and Adiwiraku star Sangeeta Krishnasamy is set to play the lead in this TV series about battling corruption.
Banteras is a partnership between local production company Fantasy Film and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Polis Evo director Ghaz Abu Bakar is on the bill as well as director.
We can’t wait to see how this high-profile TV series, which is said to be based on true stories, turns out.
6. Avengers: Infinity War, April 26
There have been two Avengers movies but this third instalment will be the first time all the members of the Avengers are featured, including the quirky, lovable band of misfits from Guardians Of The Galaxy.
With so many characters sharing screen time, the filmmakers have the uphill task of fleshing out each of the characters properly without the film becoming convoluted (Let’s hope the adorable Baby Groot – apparently a teen in this movie – will have enough screen time). Of course, fans also can’t wait to see Thanos in action. The greatly-feared villain is trying to collect all six infinity stones and gain unimaginable power. Can the Avengers stop him?
7. Bruno Mars Live In KL, May 9
Make a date with Bruno Mars in KL. Photo: Filepic
Judging by the speed the tickets to Bruno Mars’ Kuala Lumpur concert were snapped up (all 12,000 sold out in just 45 minutes), Malaysian fans are really looking forward to watching the pop-R&B crooner perform live.
Since his 2010 breakthrough Just The Way You Are, Mars has successfully produced a long list of hits, including last year’s smash That’s What I Like. This just means there will be a lot of familiar tunes that fans can sing and groove along to.
With his smoky vocals and natural showmanship, his May 9 show at Axiata Arena is probably going to be what we like.
8. Crazy Rich Asians, Aug 16
Henry Golding and Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh star in Crazy Rich Asians. Photo: Instagram
Malaysians are obviously excited to see their homeboy Henry Golding play the lead role in this highly-anticipated Hollywood project. In Crazy Rich Asians – based on the bestselling book of the same name by Kevin Kwan – Golding plays Nick, a Singaporean who introduces his longtime girlfriend Rachel to his extremely well-off family for the first time.
But more than just the thrill of seeing Malaysians in a Hollywood film (Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is in it too!), the release of Crazy Rich Asians means characters and stories from our region are going out to the rest of the world.
The film will also be a feast for the eyes, seeing the cast would most probably be dripping in diamonds and rocking designer frocks as it tries to bring to life the world of crazy-rich Asians.
9. Mary Poppins Returns, Dec 25
Emily Blunt will take on the iconic role originally played by Julie Andrews. Photo: Filepic
Fifty-four years after the lovable Mary Poppins brought wonder and magic to audiences, she’s back on Christmas Day this year!
The Girl On The Train actress Emily Blunt has big shoes to fill as the golden-voiced nanny was originally played by Julie Andrews in 1964.
Based on initial photos released, Blunt certainly looks the part. But the big question is: Can Blunt sing?
Viewers may remember the actress showing her vocal prowess as the baker’s wife in 2014’s Into The Woods. And did you know before venturing into acting, Blunt once landed a recording deal?
Here’s to hoping the film will be, oh how would Mary Poppins put it … supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
10. Ariana Grande’s new album, TBC
Look out for a new album from Ariana Grande. Photo: AFP
After much speculation, pop sensation Ariana Grande recently confirmed she’s working on a new album, posting photos of herself in a recording studio on her social media.
After a terrorist attack on her Manchester concert which killed 23 people last May, the 24-year-old vocalist must’ve experienced a change in perspective, which will probably be reflected in her new music.
As she lays bare the feelings she experienced that day, her new offering looks like it’s going to be her most personal album yet.
Other notable highlights:
Syafiq Yusof returns with another action movie KL Special Force starring Fattah Amin (TBC)
Tyra Banks is back as the head judge and host of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 24 (Jan 9)
Cantopop singer Jacky Cheung (Jan 26) and Mandopop star Jay Chou (Jan 27) to serenade Malaysian fans
OlaBola The Musical to be staged at Istana Budaya (Feb 8 to March 11)
A brand new American Idol with a fresh panel of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan (March 11)
New albums from pop’s biggest divas – Madonna, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion (TBC)
Royal wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle (May 19)
Oh and rumour has it, Destiny’s Child will reunite for a special performance … hmm, we’ll see.
