The mind games they play in ‘Topakk’

With Richard Somes directing and Arjo Atayde as its stellar marquee name, we can trust the fact that Topakk will not only be the all-too-common adrenaline-ride, highoctane and testosterone-induced, popcorn kind of action motion picture we are all accustomed to.

Produced by Nathan Studios, Strawdogs Studio Productions and Fusee, Topakk has a compelling and current narrative plus a powerhouse cast that gives life to a set of exciting characters. It is worthy of consideration and the hard-earned pesos of cinema audiences this 50th anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

International buzz

Topakk was first screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 and premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in August 2023 and in other film festival abroad.

In a nutshell, it gives us the story of an ex-special forces operative (Arjo Atayde) who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, attempts to save the life of a woman (Julia Montes), who is being pursued by a corrupt police death squad working for a drug cartel.

“Hindi lang basta pulos bakbakan, barilan, habulan, tugisan ang Topakk, may puso ito, may pinaghuhugutan (It’s not all about fighting, shooting and battling; Topakk has heart and depth),” said Somes. “It is a film that delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of redemption, mental health and the struggle against corruption.”

Atayde, its lead star, said: “The film is well-balanced, I must say. Yes, there are intense action scenes, but it is balanced with emotional depth, and that depth will be felt and, for sure, will hook audiences, kasi ang mga kasama ko rito, ang gagaling. They were so truthful to the emotions of their respective characters. What happens to all of us in the film will surely bring everyone on the edge of their seats and, the same time, hindi lang may haplos sa puso, may takot, kaba at may sakit pa (it will not onky touch the heart but also make it race and hurt).”

The cast of Topakk includes Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee, Kokoy de Santos and this side of Southeast Asian Hollywood’s best and brightest actors, Levi Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio de Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong.

Early international screenings of Topakk have left audiences and critics alike in awe, heaping praise on the film’s unique blend of action and psychological drama and the raw intensity and emotionally committed performances.

‘Topakk’ Village

“It is not only me who deserves the attention and praise, this whole Topakk village is deserving of all the good words,” Atayde said. “This is a team effort. From our director down to the crew, lahat (everyone) worked hard. Blood, sweat, pagod and passion ang binigay para sa pelikulang ito (were given to this film).”

The lead actor said the sweetest words for Julia Montes: “Alam naman nating lahat that she is a great actress, and dito, mas lalong marami ang hahanga sa kanya. I believe this role and character, groundbreaking for Julia. She was able to showcase her range and versatility, and ‘yung puso, the feels she gave, I can only say, wow! Just wow!”

Director Somes added that Montes was a trouper: “Hindi siya mareklamo. Walang arte (She is not a complainer. She is not fussy). The utmost professional. Laging (Always) prepared. She always gives something extra and special in her scenes and the way she gave life to Weng, ibang klase (she’s something else).”

Adding more power and feels to the film are cinematographer Louie Quirino, his breathtaking visuals that heightened the film’s tension and drama. Jose Antonio Buencamino’s evocative score perfectly complemented the on-screen action.

Atayde said in conclusion: “I hope you give Topakk all your love and support. Please be ready to experience raw intensity, powerful performances and world-class Filipino film making. Merry Christmas sa lahat and happy holidays. Kita-kita tayo sa sinehan (See you at the movies)!”

For updates on Topakk, follow Nathan Studios on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok or visit their official Linktree at linktr.ee/nathanstudios.