Are you ready to rock and roll with TOPAKK?
The action-packed thriller Topakk, produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, continue to make waves internationally and locally. From Cannes to its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, the film is now an official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
And the film just recently held its grand and jampacked black carpet media conference in a unique venue like no other — at a warehouse which was one of the set locations of the movie, which impressed the press and all invited guests.
Helmed by hard hitting action director Richard V. Somes, Topakk is centered on a former special forces operative (portrayed by Arjo Atayde) battling PTSD whose path intersects with a brother and sister (Enchong Dee and Julia Montes) both on the run from criminal forces. Topakk showcases a career-defining turn by lead stars Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes.
Atayde’s performance captivated film aficionados in Cannes; Locarno and Austin, Texas – where he personally graced screenings to represent the film. The First District Congressman of Quezon City was also grateful to all the viewers who took time in seeing their film including some Filipino kababayans in the audience.
The film’s international title, Triggered, helped expand its appeal to a global audience, where it received praise for its unique approach to action and psychological drama.
Topakk features themes of redemption, mental health, and corruption, told through intense Hollywood-like action sequences and emotional depth.
Viewers at international screenings reacted strongly, with many praising the film’s raw intensity and powerful performances from the lead cast down to the amazing ensemble.
Julia Montes steps into a gritty, action-packed role unlike any she’s done before, earning recognition for her versatility and emotional depth. She has done some action scenes herself on a popular TV series but Julia shared during the media conference that Direk Richard helped her get into the nitty gritty of a female in action power.
Cinematographer Louie Quirino delivers striking visuals that heighten the film’s tension and drama, complemented by Jose Antonio Buencamino’s evocative score.
The ensemble cast features standout performances from Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchogn Dee, Kokoy de Santos, Levy 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 – bringing life to the film’s complex characters.
Actress Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, one of the producers representing Nathan Studios, Inc. was all praises to the entire cast. “I’m really proud of all our actors in this film. May mga actors who will appear only once pero tatatak sa inyo ang mga eksena nila,” she assures.
Director Richard V. Somes’ vision for the film was heavily influenced by his interest in blending high-stakes action with socially relevant themes. We have seen some of his previous works and we personally told Direk Richard that Topakk is quite close to his 2018 film, We Will Not Die Tonight.
Produced by a powerhouse team – Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs – Topakk highlights the capabilities of Filipino filmmakers to deliver world-class productions.
With all these said, TOPAKK has indeed come home and it deserves to be seen and watched by our Kababayans at the duration of the 50th year of the Metro Manila Film Festival from December 25, 2024 to January 7, 2025 in cinemas nationwide.
The MTRCB Ratings are R-16 for SM Cinemas while the rest of the cinemas are at R-18.
For updates on Topakk, follow Nathan Studios on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok or visit their official Linktree atlinktr.ee/nathanstudios.
Many thanks for having us Nathan Studios Inc. and Sir Chuck Gomez. Congratulations and good luck!