At 67, the country’s lone superstar Nora Aunor shows no signs of slowing down. But with a career that spans 45 years, is there still a character left to portray that wouldn’t look similar to the roles she had previously played?
La Aunor has explored numerous genres with more than 180 films to her name, essaying unforgettable characters each time. Thus, Godfather Productions head honcho Joed Serrano offered Aunor a character that would possibly make another indelible mark in the superstar’s illustrious career.
In a story conference held on Thursday, Serrano said that the upcoming film to be directed by Adolf Alix, Jr. will be the first time that the audience will see Aunor in an antagonist role.
“I wouldn’t be in showbiz if not because of Nora Aunor so I am producing this film to honor her. It’s a film that will make history because it’s the first time she’s portraying this kind of character,” Serrano said.
He didn’t give a hint at Aunor’s character description but described it as a “movie star” and just continued praising the seasoned actress. He promised that they will endeavor to make the film as memorable as Himala (1982) and The Flor Contemplacion Story.
“Showbiz is spelled as Nora Aunor. We have to admit that. It’s so surprising that even younger people still know her and a lot of young actors want to be part of a project that she’s also part of,” he said.
The movie, which is also a tribute to the late screen veteran Anita Linda, will train the spotlight on screen contravidas like Bella Flores, Rosa Rosal, and Zeny Zabala.
“Walang bida kung walang kontrabida,” Nora Aunor said when asked why she accepted the antagonist role.
“We need film protagonists that will give life and more color to the story. People will get bored if we only have antagonists all the time. Kailangan may kumokontra. Sa lahat ng bagay kailangang may kumokontra,” the superstar related.
Needless to say, Aunor enjoys challenging roles but playing a contravida on the big screen will be the first and the last time she is doing it.
“First and last, di na ito mauulit. Pero mayroon ako sa TV, sa Makulay Na Daigdig Ni Nora, nagkontrabida ako. Nakalimutan ko na kung sino ang kaeksena ko, ang tagal na kasi pero minsan lang yun,” she said.
Makulay Na Daigdig Ni Nora was a TV series that was on air from 1974 to 1979.
Kontrabida also lists Rosanna Roces, Bembol Roco, Nathan Charles, Ricky Gumera, and Jaclyn Jose as part of the cast. A box-office star who will slap Aunor in one of the highlights of the movie is still under wraps.
“I don’t mind being slapped kung yun ang nasa storya at gusto ng direktor. Malaki ang respeto at tiwala ko sa aming direktor,” La Aunor ended.