Ang Panday (2017 film)

Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday (lit.'The Blacksmith') is a 2017 Filipino superhero fantasy action film based on the eponymous comic book character created by Carlo J. Caparas along with his co-creator Steve Gan. Serving as the seventh installment of the Panday series, the film is co-written, directed and produced by Coco Martin, who also stars in the title role.[3]

Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday
Theatrical poster
Directed byRodel Nacianceno[a]
Screenplay by
  • Joel Mercado
  • Rodel Nacianceno
  • Rian Hernandez
Story by
  • Rodel Nacianceno
Based onPanday
by Carlo J. Caparas and Steve Gan
Produced by
StarringCoco Martin
CinematographyOdie Flores
Edited byRenewin Alano
Production
companies
Distributed byStar Cinema
Release date
  • December 25, 2017 (2017-12-25)
Running time
128 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Budget₱140 million[1]
Box office
  • ₱204 million[2] (Official 2017 MMFF run)
  • ₱379 million (Official Domestic Run)

The film serves as an official entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival,[4][5] and marks Martin's directorial debut under his real name, Rodel Nacianceno.[1] The film received mixed to positive reviews but it was box office success along with Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad and it was the first and only time to have 2 co-productions between Star Cinema and Viva Films movies released at the same time during MMFF.

Plot

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In the province, Flavio II and his wife Carmen take care of their newborn baby boy, whom they dream of becoming the next heroic legend. They offer the pious Rosa Batungbakal to take care of him, but the malevolent Lizardo's unlatched spirit and his goons attack the unprotected house. Rosa takes the newborn to a church to offer guidance from a priest while Flavio fends off the goons. Flavio gets stabbed and dies after fighting the spirit, who vows to rule the world.

The baby grows up to be Flavio Batungbakal III, a gangster who ambushes bandits around a market in Tondo, only to get apprehended by the police. Flavio is released from prison, and his stepfather Andoy warns him not to cause havoc around the streets anymore. He lives a comfortable life along with his family and regularly meets with Maria, a beautiful woman with whom he admits being smitten, although her parents disapprove of him. Meanwhile, a new human form of Lizardo appears in the shadows alongside his father. He is strongly attracted to Maria and craves to be with her. A beauty contest competition nearby is under way, which goes awry.

Citizens are turned into aswangs by a reincarnated Lizardo, who secretly devises a plot to take over the country under the guise of a businessman. During one attack, an aswang disguised as a dog bites one of Flavio's younger brother, Diego, who insists that the injury is minor. While walking, Flavio is followed by an old man holding a magical book which contains a mysterious power. When the old man tells him about the real existence of the aswangs, he threatens him by pulling out his butterfly knife out of disbelief. An aswang suddenly appears, which the two men defeat. The old man realizes that Flavio is the only known person of his bloodline capable of stopping Lizardo and his army.

Flavio is handed a map and starts his quest by riding a bus to search for a mythical dagger that would help him fight the aswangs. While embarking through the forest, its surroundings suddenly changes into a magical kingdom. He encounters several dwarves, whom he asks about the location of the dagger. After seeing a diwata, Flavio asks the king and queen where the dagger is. He challenges a skilled swordsman, whom he defeats, and retrieves the dagger in a cave. He summons the dagger upwards, creating a shockwave which turns it into a double-edged sword, the sword of his grandfather, the original Panday.

He returns to Tondo and wields his grandfather's sword to defeat most of the aswangs in the community. Diego's injury worsens and he later turns into a reluctant aswang who sacrifices himself rather than harm anyone else. Distressed from his brother's death, Flavio continues fighting the aswangs but is fatally stabbed by Lizardo. He falls into a coma, but is revived and healed by the old man. He embarks into the mountains and is informed that he is not ready to fight Lizardo unless he undergoes a training and forges his sword. Afterwards, he is summoned into a desert world where he fights numerous goons. The voice of darkness enhances Lizardo's power to ensure he would win. As the voice of darkness disappears, Flavio battles Lizardo in a sword fight, which he wins after stabbing Lizardo in his weak spot to death.

Flavio visits the church with his family and Maria to commemorate their victory against Lizardo. He vows to continue saving the world from further malevolent threats.

Cast

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Coco Martin portrays Flavio III.
Eddie Garcia portrays Lucifer
Jake Cuenca portrays Lizardo
Elisse Joson portrays Rowena.
Jaime Fabregas portrays Andoy Batungbakal
Jhong Hilario portrays Sword Guard
Cesar Montano portrays Police Chief Insp. Erwin Rivera
Lito Lapid portrays Apo
Arjo Atayde portrays the Previous Lizardo
The grandson of the original blacksmith born in the urban ghetto of Tondo; a tough gang leader but apathetic when it comes to his grandmother. Family is always his priority while also being keen on becoming the king of the slums of Tondo.
  • Jeric Raval as Flavio Batungbakal II [7]
The father of Flavio III and the son of Flavio Sr..

The story picture of Ang Panday The grandfather of the original blacksmith Flavio Batungbakal III

A demonic spirit who gives the new Lizardo ultimate and supreme power.
The False Prophet and the descendant of previous Lizardo
The responsible sister in the Batungbakal household who helps Lola Rosa in keeping the family together. She is very vocal on her disgust to Flavio's gang activities.
Lizardo's previous form and he is the one who killed Flavio II.
A former midwife who took care of Flavio. She did not have any children so she adopted abandoned kids and gave them a family. A loving woman, religious and very firm when it comes to disciplining her adopted children.
The mother of Flavio III.
The adoptive grandfather of Flavio who raised him in a firm way.
Flavio's younger brother who flaunts a tough stance to cover up on his being homosexual.
Andoy's brother and Flavio's partner-in-crime
  • Nayomi "Heart" Ramos as Ella[7]
The perky sister of Flavio who is persistent and very inquisitive.
  • Enzo "Bingo" Pelojero as Itoy[7]
The worrisome and pessimistic amongst the brood who is always anxious for his big brother Flavio.
  • James "Paquito" Sagarino as Empoy[7]
The young trouble maker in the family who plays tough cookie and acts like a sidekick to his brother and idol Flavio.
A police chief officer in Tondo for mission order of his police members for manhunt operations against Lizardo's henchmen
Flavio faced him to get the sword
The mother of Maria who dislikes Flavio.
  • Mariel de Leon as Maria
Flavio's love interest.
He is one of the police officers in Tondo.
He is the one who trains Flavio III to be ready to fight with Lizardo.
A reluctant gang member who falls in love with the leader's sister Rowena.
the father of Antonio, the present host of Lizardo.
the ruler of the Kingdom of the Engkantos.

Additional cast was also unveiled in Martin's Instagram profile, while they are on the press conference for the announcement: Agot Isidro, Al Vaughn Chier Tuliao, Albert Martinez, Alvin Anson, Ana de Leon, Benj Manalo, Carlos Morales, Dennis Padilla, Ejay Falcon, Epy Quizon, Jay Manalo, Jeff Tam, Jeffrey Santos, Jethro Ramirez, John Prats, John Regala, Joko Diaz, Joonee Gamboa, Kylie Verzosa, Lester Llansang, Long Mejia, Marc Solis, Mark Lapid, Michael De Mesa, Michael Roy Jornales, Mon Confiado, Onyok Pineda as Dwendol, Phoebe Walker, PJ Endrinal, Rhian "Dang" Ramos, Shantel Crislyn Layh "Ligaya" Nugyo, Vhong Navarro,Zaijian Jaranilla, Smugglaz, and Bassilyo.[9]

Production

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Announcement

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On April 11, 2017, after winning a Your Face Sounds Familiar: Kids contest, child actor and comedian Awra Briguela stated that he has a new upcoming movie with lead actor Coco Martin. There were no official details revealed including the start of the film's production, and has yet to be titled.[10]

Development

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On April 25, 2017, it was announced that a new Panday reboot is in its development stage when Coco Martin was granted the rights from Carlo J. Caparas to green-light the film, which he will star and direct.[11] The upcoming film of Coco Martin and Awra Briguela turned out to be the second reboot of Ang Panday, which was shown by Briguela, featuring and starring in a supporting role. This is the second time Martin will portray the role first envisioned by Fernando Poe Jr., the first being the twin brothers Ador and Cardo (Kardo in the film version) in the television adaptation of Ang Probinsyano.[12]

Pre-production

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Production on Ang Panday began on June 22, 2017, when Martin posted a picture of him holding a whiteboard with an establishing shot label along with his production crew.[13] The working title was under the name "Panday". Before production began, Martin went to Manila North Cemetery to pay respect to the grave of Poe Jr. so he can get some assistance. He wanted his direction be inspired by prominent Filipino directors such as Mike De Leon and Lino Brocka.[14]

On July 4, 2017, Martin confirmed the complete set of cast for the film. He revealed that Binibining Pilipinas International candidate Mariel de Leon would co-star in the film as Martin's leading lady, along with some of his co-stars in Ang Probinsyano, including Onyok Pineda and Awra Briguela.[9]

On July 24, Jake Cuenca was cast as the key villain Lizardo.[8]

On September 27, Martin has announced that one more beauty queen will be joining the Ang Panday cast besides Mariel de Leon.[15] It was revealed on November 9, 2017, that Kylie Verzosa is the new beauty queen that joined the cast.[16]

Filming

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Principal photography began on July 9, 2017. On July 20, a video clip of Martin on the set of the film was posted on the actor's Instagram account.[17] During filming, Cuenca was also given advice by lead actor and director Coco Martin on how to accomplish things correctly. Carlo J. Caparas was also involved in production by the said film, and he is open to random ideas for Coco Martin.[18][19] Filming wrapped on October 25, 2017.[20]

Soundtrack

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On August 18, Filipino rapper and songwriter Gloc-9 posted in his Facebook account that he will write a song about a man who creates swords. On September 25, Gloc-9 shared an Instagram post by Coco Martin stating that the title of the theme song will be Ang Panday and the song will feature Ebe Dancel. The song was finally released on November 24, 2017, through digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.[21]

On November 24, the official music video for Peksman (an original song by the band Siakol) was uploaded on YouTube while the song was released on December 1. The song was sung by the movie's director, main cast and producer Coco Martin featuring Zaito, Basilyo, Jeff Tam, Smugglaz and Shernan.[22] Also featuring FlipTop rappers Bassilyo, Smugglaz, Zaito, and Shernan, another single from the film was released entitled Mas Liligaya Ang Pasko with Coco Martin as its main artist. The song was released on December 15.[23]

Release

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Float of Ang Panday at the MMFF Parade of the Stars

The film is scheduled to be released on December 25, 2017, as an official submission entry of 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival. The official poster of Ang Panday was released on November 17, 2017; alongside another competing 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad.[24]

Box office

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Ang Panday along with Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad had a combined box office gross of ₱125 million in the opening day of the MMFF.[25] It was later reported that Ang Panday was the second most sold film in the box office during the official run of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival grossing ₱234 million behind The Revenger Squad.[26] At the end of its box office run, the film grossed ₱379 million.

As of January 11, 2024 The Movie of Coco Martin's Ang Panday was ₱583 Million in 43th Metro Manila Film Festival was Surpassed by Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera's Movie of 49th Metro Manila Film Festival has Already Grossing Film ₱924 million Said from Actor Producer and Director Coco Martin.

Critical response

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The film drew mixed reviews from critics.[27] Wanggo Gallaga of News5 wrote, "It's a huge story that keeps jumping from subplot to subplot. It's audacious in its presentation of this narrative." He added that it fails to live up to the audacity and bigness of its ambitions, the film scores 8.5 out of 10 via critics and audiences.[28]

Accolades

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List of accolades
Award / Film Festival Category Recipient(s) Result
2017 Metro Manila Film Festival[29][30]
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award Ang Panday Won
Best Director Coco Martin Nominated
Best Actor in a Leading Role Coco Martin Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Jake Cuenca Nominated
Best Child Actor (PMPC STAR AWARDS) Enzo Pelojero Nominated
Best Visual Effects Ang Panday Won
Children’s Choice Award Ang Panday Won
Special Jury Prize Coco Martin
tied with Nick Joaquin of Ang Larawan
Won

Other media

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A new tie-in game has been announced for release on iOS and Android. The game's plot involves Flavio on a quest to travel through different worlds and retrieve the powerful sword of Panday, while saving the world from evil forces.[31]

Notes

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  1. ^ The film was directed by Coco Martin. His director role is credited under his real name "Rodel Nacianceno" rather than his screen name. His acting role however is credited under his screen name.

References

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  1. ^ Calderon, Ricky. "Will Coco Martin recoup 'Ang Panday' P140M production budget?". Manila Times. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  2. ^ Rañoa-Bismark, Maridol. "MMFF Reveals Box Office Sales Ranking". Philippine Star. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  3. ^ "Coco Martin to direct, star in new 'Ang Panday' film". Rappler. April 26, 2017.
  4. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (April 26, 2017). "Panday movie of Coco Martin to be submitted to MMFF 2017". PEP.
  5. ^ "MMFF announces first 4 official entries for 2017 festival". Rappler. June 30, 2017.
  6. ^ Martin, Coco. "Coco Martin is Flavio". Twitter, Coco Martin PH. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Ang Panday". CCM Film Productions. CCM Productions. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Fernando, Jeff (July 24, 2017). "Jake Cuenca, napiling bagong Lizardo sa 'Ang Panday'". ABS-CBN.
  9. ^ a b "2017 Bb. Pilipinas International Mariel de Leon gaganap bilang Leading lady ni Coco Martin sa Ang Panday". Push.com.ph. July 4, 2017.
  10. ^ "Awra may bagong pelikula kasama si Coco". ABS-CBN Corporation News. ABS-CBN Corporation. April 11, 2017.
  11. ^ "Coco Martin to direct and star in own Panday movie". April 25, 2017.
  12. ^ "Coco Martin to star in TV remake of FPJ film 'Ang Probinsyano'". Rappler. May 8, 2015.
  13. ^ Jarloc, Glaiza (June 23, 2017). "Coco Martin pays his respects to FPJ before filming 'Ang Panday'". SunStar Manila.
  14. ^ "Coco Martin visits FPJ's grave as filming for 'Panday' starts". ABS-CBN News. June 23, 2017.
  15. ^ Malonzo, Cristina (September 27, 2017). "Coco Martin gives updates on 'Ang Panday'". Push ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN Corporation.
  16. ^ "Kylie Verzosa joins Coco Martin's 'Ang Panday'". Rappler. Rappler. November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  17. ^ "WATCH: Coco Martin starts shooting 'Ang Panday'". ABS-CBN News. July 10, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  18. ^ Mate, Lanie B. (August 16, 2017). "Coco tinuturuan ng 'tama' si Jake".
  19. ^ Bukas, Leo. "Jake, binigyan ng instructions ni Coco". Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
  20. ^ "Ang Panday: the making". YouTube. YouTube. November 10, 2017.
  21. ^ "Gloc-9, saludo kay Coco Martin'". Abante-Tonite. September 29, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  22. ^ "Peksman (feat. Zaito, Basilyo, Jeff Tam, Smugglaz & Shernan) [From "Ang Panday"] - Single on Apple Music". iTunes. December 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  23. ^ "Mas Liligaya Ang Pasko (feat. Bassilyo, Smugglaz, Zaito & Shernan) [From "Ang Panday"] - Single on Apple Music". iTunes. December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  24. ^ "Official posters for 'The Revenger Squad' and 'Ang Panday'". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  25. ^ "Movie nina Vice at Coco kumita ng P125-M sa first day!" [Movies of Vice and Coco earned P125-M on their first day.] (in Filipino). The Philippine Star. December 27, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  26. ^ "'Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad' tops MMFF 2017 box office". Rappler. January 18, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  27. ^ "Spokesperson: MMFF challenges mainstream producers to improve". CNN Philippines. December 26, 2017. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  28. ^ Gallaga, Wanggo (December 28, 2017). "REVIEW: 'Ang Panday' and the failure of the single saviour plot". News5. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  29. ^ "Full List: Winners of the MMFF 2017 Gabi ng Parangal". Rappler. December 27, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
  30. ^ Ranoa-Bismark, Maridol (December 28, 2017). "Joanna Ampil, Derek Ramsay lead MMFF 2017 winners". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  31. ^ "Ang Panday game". CCM Film Productions.
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