Throughout their decades-long, prolific, and notable acting careers, veteran character actors Rez Cortez, Bembol Roco and Dindo Arroyo, were surely accustomed to receiving hate from people who got to watch the movies and TV shows they starred in, as they played fearsome and cruel villains.
But our perceptions of them would certainly change as they headline the iWant original flick “Kontrabida,” wherein, from being notorious goons and crime lords onscreen, we’re about to witness their easygoing and good-natured facets as they take on new roles as ordinary men with duties of real-life heroes.
And ahead of its worldwide premiere this Tuesday, August 19, at 8 PM (PHT), they appeared together in an episode of Kapamilya Chat to discuss the project and unleash their enthusiastic and playful facets that we do not see often by playing a couple of fun challenges.
Their lighthearted conversation with the host commenced with the screen icons explaining the concept of “Kontrabida” and imparting how much they had fun doing it, so they wish for the viewers to enjoy watching it as well.
Dindo conveyed how happy and starstruck he was to be working with them again after quite some time on this first-ever project of theirs together. Since he enjoyed being on the set with them, sharing sumptuous meals and hearty stories, Rez imparted that he actually didn’t feel like working throughout the duration of their shoot.
Bembol added that what made him say yes to this project is its awesome and truthful narrative. Meanwhile, aside from having Rez and Bembol as his co-stars, what also convinced Dindo to accept this project was the opportunity to work with MAVX Productions again, which he praised for their top-notch output and impressive storytelling.
These three legendary actors have spent most of their lives onscreen as vicious villains. Thus, each one of them was asked what it takes for an actor to be considered as an effective kontrabida.
For Bembol, it’s if an actor can persuade or sway the emotions of the audiences through their portrayal of their characters. Rez, on the other hand, firmly believes that “the best acting is by not acting,” so for him, it’s if the actor does not have to pretend anymore to be their character.
Meanwhile, Dindo stressed the importance for the actors who would play the protagonist and antagonist to develop rapport and to consistently communicate with one another in order for them to create a connection that would eventually reflect on the screen.
Being in the industry for many decades already, the three of them have indeed already proven and mastered their flair in acting, especially in the field of action. Thus, they have surely received a variety of reactions or comments about their performances, both from people who got to watch their shows and movies through the years, as well as from their fellow actors whom they got to work with.
Bembol fondly recounted the instance when a lawyer approached him to say how mad he was at him as Kumander Kontra in the 1989 political thriller film “Orapronobis,” yet at the same time amazed by his performance.
While nobody wanted to be cursed at by anyone, Rez seems to be immune to it already, as he actually considers it a good indicator that he had done a great job with his portrayal.
Dindo, for his part, recalled being praised by the late movie icon and legendary action star Eddie Garcia for his impressive performance as his right-hand man in the 1990 movie “Ikasa Mo...Ipuputok Ko.” He was still a neophyte in showbiz then, so he really listened to Eddie’s advice, which paid off since a lot of people were surprised by what he did in the movie.
When asked how they would describe “Kontrabida,” Bembol said that it’s “hilarious, serious, and funny”. Meanwhile, Rez would just like to leave it to the viewers, yet he’s certain that they are definitely going to want it more. Dindo, on the other hand, imparted that this film would show the stark difference between filmmaking back then and at present.
In relation to this, the host also quizzed them on how making movies before differs from how it is being done at present. They all agreed that the whole production process has become faster and better now compared to the past, mainly because of the advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment being used. Thus, making it possible for Filipino films and shows to be at par with or keep up with foreign productions.
At the same time, Rez also mentioned that there are a lot of workshops that aspiring actors and filmmakers can attend, such as the one being organized by the Mowelfund Film Institute, the school run by the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, in which he’s the current president. In this training, young aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to create short films about their hometowns with the use of their mobile phones.
To wrap up the segment, the host asked them for advice with regard to longevity in the industry, to which Dindo elaborated on how important it is for one to never stop learning about his craft and to be really passionate about it. Furthermore, one must practice humility at all times amidst the nominations and accolades because he firmly believes that being an actor is truly an endless process of learning.
Rez also mentioned that one should know how to get along well with everyone part of the production, from the utility, staff and crew to his castmates.
Directed by JR Reyes and produced by iWant and MAVX Productions, “Kontrabida” offers a thrilling and humorous twist on the action genre, blending nostalgia, wit, and heartfelt moments.
Watch the country’s most iconic screen villains turn into unexpected heroes in “Kontrabida,” premiering worldwide this August 19 at 8 p.m. (PHT), exclusively on iWant.