Jagat director Sun-J Perumal returns with an ambitious cinematic vision, expanding the world of his award-winning 2015 film through a bold new project, the Jagat Multiverse. A decade after Jagat made waves for its raw portrayal of Indian Malaysian life, Sun-J and Skyzen Studios have unveiled two new films : Macai and Blues, described as “spiritual sequels” that explore alternate destinies of the beloved protagonist, Appoy.

“Soon after Jagat was released, people advised me to start working on Jagat 2,” Sun-J recalled. “But I wanted to do something bigger, more challenging. So, I took time to build that world to create something that expands its meaning.”

The Jagat Multiverse marks the 10-year legacy of the original film, revisiting its themes while offering fresh narratives. According to Sun-J, this trilogy : Jagat, Macai, and Blues reflects the evolving identity and psyche of the Indian Malaysian man, each film viewed through a distinct lens.

“In Jagat, it’s about the transformation from estate to city life. Macai explores the psychology of survival and corruption, while Blues delves into the film industry,” he explained. “Different stories, but they all explore the same core, the mindset of an Indian man navigating life in Malaysia.”

The director shared that it took him nearly four years to develop Macai and Blues simultaneously, crafting scripts that diverge from Jagat’s realism while retaining its emotional truth. He was also deeply involved in casting, observing actors’ performances in other projects to understand their instincts.

“For actors like Irfan Zaini and Rupini Sambanthan, I saw a spark, charisma, talent, persistence, and taste. These qualities matter,” he said. “As a director, my job is to help them imagine the world I envision. If I fail to explain my vision, they will feel like they’re acting in the dark. So I collaborate with them, listen to their ideas, and shape the story together.”

Sun-J describes Macai and Blues not as direct sequels but as alternate timelines, two possible lives that Appoy could have lived.

“Macai imagines Appoy’s descent into the drug world, a darker path where circumstances consume him. Blues, on the other hand, follows a version of Appoy who channels his creativity and becomes a filmmaker,” he said. “Both stories ask the same question: what becomes of a boy like Appoy, depending on the choices he makes?”

Through this creative venture, Sun-J hopes to challenge the boundaries of Malaysian cinema and inspire filmmakers to embrace bold storytelling. “I’ve done my best within my limitations,” he reflected. “But as a local film industry, we must be brave enough to take risks. That’s how we grow by imagining what’s possible.”

Macai set to hit the theatres on 13 November and Blues on 4 December.

Image Credit : Festival Scope Pro