Prove it, producers told after claim of sabotage in screening of Anwar film

The makers and producers of "Anwar: The Untold Story" have come under fire on social media after alleging sabotage in the screening of the movie released nationwide late last week. 

The producers had stated that the film based on Anwar Ibrahim's time in government as deputy prime minister and finance minister in the 1990s brought in RM1 million on its first day of screening. 

However, they said that the movie, produced by Yusrych Global Sdn Bhd and distributed by DMY Creation, was not given screening slots as requested by the public. 

A number of Facebook users said this was likely an indication that the film was not well received by the audience. 

"No one wants to waste time watching movies of poor quality," Facebook user Wan Zulkifli Abu Bakar wrote in the comment section of news portal Malaysiakini.

"Malaysians today are intelligent and know how to assess what is the best and more entertaining to watch."

"It would be a loss if they opened up many slots but the cinemas were all empty," user Rusliah Ahmad said. 

"The cinema operators want films that can bring in a profit." 

"Anwar: The Untold Story" is directed by Indonesian Viva Westi and stars Farid Kamil as Anwar and Indonesian actress Acha Septriasa as his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Much of the movie, which cost some RM10 million, was filmed in Indonesia. 

Other social media users asked the producers to prove their claim, describing it as unfair to the country's cinema industry. 

"If the claim is true, bring them to face justice and suspend their licence," Azhar Alfifilani wrote in the comment section of Berita Harian Online. 

"Don't just talk." 

The social media stir followed reports that thousands of free tickets had been offered online in an attempt to ramp up support for the film ahead of elections to be held in six states this year. 

The movie has also been promoted by government leaders, with Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil urging members of the public to give it a go. 

The film captures the years before Anwar's dramatic exit in 1998 from then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's government.