CNY Film with Jack Lim, Jack Neo: Save One Movie Ticket

Jack Lim and Jack Neo have often been "competing" during previous Chinese New Year seasons, but this year, in a rare move, they've joined forces, combining their classic characters "Ah Beng" (Lim) and "Liang Popo" (Neo) for the CNY film "Ah Beng VS Liang Popo". Jack Neo joked that the biggest benefit of this collaboration is: "In the past, if you wanted to watch Jack Lim and Jack Neo, you had to buy two movie tickets. This time, it's two-in-one—you save a ticket." Jack Lim immediately picked up the banter: "Then use that saved ticket to support another local movie."

"Ah Beng VS Liang Popo" will premiere across Malaysia on the first day of Chinese New Year, February 17, with the media premiere and press conference held on Wednesday. Director Lai Kin Keong, Jack Lim, Jack Neo, and a group of cast members—including Chan Kit Yue, Shea Chee Xuan, Khoo Yik Chit, Danny (Lee Yik Seong), Jestinna Kuan, Choo Kwek Fai, Tong Wai Yeen, Chew Chee Leck, Chang Mun Ying, Wong Yik Seong, Lucas Lim Siew Cheng, and Chan Shu Wen—were present to share filming anecdotes, making for a lively atmosphere.

Lai Kin Keong and Jack Neo revealed that, due to differences in audiences and market demand, the versions released in Malaysia and Singapore will differ, with the Singapore version titled "Liang Popo VS Ah Beng," and even the movie theme songs will be distinct to better appeal to local tastes.

Speaking about box office, Jack Lim admitted he feels no pressure, and in fact hopes that this year's top three CNY box office positions in Malaysia can all be held by Malaysian films. He also revealed that Chew Chee Leck had messaged him privately to ask if he could sing the theme song for another film—Lim readily agreed, saying: "Why not? We're one family, all Malaysian CNY films!" He hopes for a local film industry that competes in a friendly and positive environment: "Everyone should work hard, but don't use negative tactics to criticize one another."

Jack Neo strongly agreed, saying that "Ah Beng VS Liang Popo" is taking the first step to show goodwill: "The movie industry is this small; let's all just do things well together. Let's not make it political—we're filmmaking, we're creating art."

Returning to the role of "Liang Popo" after 27 years, Jack Neo joked that it took him a while to "find the soul" of the character again. This year, he's only acting and not directing, and he exclaimed, "Being an actor is so comfortable," but still expressed his desire to continue making movies in the future and looks forward to more Malaysia-Singapore collaborations—working together to strengthen the film market in both countries.

Chan Kit Yue joked that the film has many "poking fun" scenes, some even involving sensitive topics: "There's so much 'roasting,' they'll roast you dry—everyone has to come watch!" 3P member Danny and his wife Jestinna Kuan, acting as a couple for the first time on film, also revealed that they would practice lines together every night before bed.