Kapamilya actress Julia Montes shared how the story of the characters in the action-packed film Topakk convinced her to take on the project.
During their grand media conference on Wednesday, December 4, Julia expressed how the story about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) made it especially important for her to be involved.
“Actually ayon yung nagpa-oo sa akin. Noong kinuwento nila Direk (Richard Somes) yung magiging takbo ng istorya, ang tanong ko ‘Ano po yung magiging factor ng magiging character ko para magtrigger yung PTSD?’ and kinuwento nila sabi ko ‘It’s about time talaga na madiscuss ayon sa Philippines,'” Julia explained.
Julia emphasized how the story of each character in the film provides different perspectives on mental health issues that need to be addressed in society.
“Siguro kaya rin siya gustong gusto ko itong project, more than anything, yung message na kailangan na we need to be more open kasi every character in the film may hugot, may pinagdadaanan,” Julia expressed.
Despite the film’s intense scenes, Julia wanted to leave a positive message for the viewers, saying, “Sana pagkatapos ng film na ito, maging open ang lahat to be more kind.”
Topakk follows the story of “a former special forces operative grappling with PTSD as he attempts to rescue a woman pursued by a corrupt police death squad.” Julia plays the role of Weng, a strong yet loving sister who will do anything for her loved ones.
“Physically, mentally preparedness siguro ayon yung talagang ipinagdasal ko rin kasi iba makatrabaho si Direk Richard and sobrang blessed ko maka-experience ng isang Richard Somes film,” Julia said as the film marks her first time working with the director.
Julia also shared her excitement about showing a different side of herself through the character she portrays.
“Ito yung film na ang sarap sa pakiramdam na iba naman yung tingin sa babae, na yung babae naman this time lalaban. Ang babae hindi lang maghihintay ng tulong kung hindi lalaban din lalo na sa taong mahal niya. Ayon yung ibang experience na naparamdam sa akin ni Direk Richard,” Julia shared.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Julia revealed that she had an accident while filming a scene where a nail punctured her knee.
“Kasi 'yung eksena na 'yun, nagko-confrontation na 'yung mga characters. 'Yun 'yung first meet up namin ni Arjo, so medyo intense na 'yung mga bagay bagay. Eh nahiya naman akong i-cut ('yung eksena) para sabihin na teka lang napako ako, so ang ginawa ko dahil intense 'yung eksena, wala sa akin 'yung camera doon ko hinugot 'yung pako,” Julia shared.
READ: Julia Montes got into an accident while filming ‘Topakk’
“Sa action, napansin namin, hindi ka pwedeng naka-steady lang or lutang ka. Magkamali ka lang ng move, mamali mo rin 'yung co-actor mo. So importante 'yung rhythm,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Julia praised her co-star Arjo Atayde for his professionalism, saying, “As an actor, as a person, mabait si Arjo siyaka kapag kaeksena mo siya, mas nandoon na ako sa hindi ako natatakot na mapull off kasi sa sobrang galing ni Arjo, sasabay ka lang.”
“With this film, more than the acting, marami pang ibinigay si Arjo na dapat mapanood ng iba kasi buo, hindi lang emotion but physically,” she added.
Topakk, produced by Nathan Studios is one of the official entries for the 50th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival. The film has already been showcased at various international film festivals, including Cannes in Italy, Locarno in Switzerland, and Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.