Naga DDB Tribal Malaysia inspires positivity and inner strength through animated Deepavali tale for Digi created by Directors Think Tank

Naga DDB Tribal Malaysia and Digi together with Directors Think Tank Malaysia have release this animated film celebrating Deepavali, the festival of light.

In a year filled with tribulations that have gone on longer than many of us have expected it to, many Malaysians are finding the resolve to face these challenging times. Encouragement and messages of positivity are instrumental in helping one another find the strength to overcome adversity.

This Deepavali, Digi continues to spread a message of positivity through real-life inspiring stories. The video by Naga DDB Tribal and Directors Think Tank bears the classic charm of animated folklore tales while carrying the spirit of a true story.

Titled “Villalan” (Archer), the story is based on the personal hardships and struggles faced by Suresh Selvathambhy, leading up to his victory as World Champion in the World Para-Archery Championships. His story carries a universal message of inner strength that is relevant in present times.

Praveen Rajan, Digi’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “We hope that this inspiring real-life people stories of unsung heroes will continue to bring the much-needed positivity into our days. Through this video, we want to remind everyone that we can all be heroes in our own way and that it is in the darkest times that our true strength is defined. On behalf of Digi, I would like to wish all Malaysians a Happy Deepavali by reiterating our commitment to keep the spirit of light alive and ensure all of our customers stay connected to what matters most to them during this challenging period.”

Naga DDB Tribal’s Creative Director, Ellison Fernandez, said: “Stories sometimes stay with us for life. Like a little part of this one was told by my mum and her mum to her before that. Our team brought this story together with that of Suresh’s and gave it a new narrative of light over darkness. Why animation? It was down to the evergreen appeal of a classic Malaysian “cerita dongeng” for the new-age audience. A storybook comes to life with a positive message for society. And, it really was the collaboration between so many great partners that gave this piece it’s magic.”

Rajay Singh, Director and Co-founder Directors Think Tank, said: “From the get-go it was a nice script, and I knew it was something that could be heart warming and inspire people. A big part of Deepavali is the story of triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Even with a short turnaround time of twenty days, we felt that it was important to tell an epic visual and wondrous story, but to craft it so that there is a touching surprise for the audience – keeping it grounded as a personal true story.

“As with any production, our attention to detail meant there were some road-blocks along the way. The team pulled it off, and a big shout out to Nicholas and his tireless team at Moog who delivered such a high standard – even with my agency’s comments coming in at the eleventh hour! For me, this is an exciting film, and I really hope people enjoy it”.

May the spirit of the Villalan inspire us all to face every challenge ahead. Together, we can get through these trying times. Here’s wishing all Malaysians a Happy Deepavali.

VIEW THE FILM

Credits
Client: Digi Telecommunications
Head of Marketing Services: Bernard Lee
Head of Marketing Communications: Lo Wei Tzen
Head of Brand & Engagement: Adeline Koh
Senior Marketing: Kuah Vi-Vien
Senior Activation: Rajeeswaran A/L C.Vengadasalam
Agency: Naga DDB Tribal
Creative Director: Ellison Fernandez
Creative Group Head: Shireen Ang
Art Director: Lim Poh Yeng
ENG Writer: Joshua Joseph
Tamil Writer: Saran Narayanan
BM Writer: Ain Nabilah
Brand Director: Lim Jia Wei
Project Manager: Ivy Chai
Head of AV: Sharon de Silva
AV Producer: Rosa Check
Production House: Directors Think Tank
Film Director: Rajay Singh, Chevie Law & Nicholas Lai (Moog Studio)
Producer: Tek Nam
DOP: Nicholas Chin
Editor: Affendi
Production: Saqinah and Ain
Art Dept: Something Reel
Post: DTT Post
Illustration & Animation: Moog Studio
Composer: Anton Morgan (2AM Music)
Sound Designer: Kit Kuan
Wardrobe: Wardrobe Room