In this action-comedy, Hoai Linh and the cast perform numerous chase and fight scenes, both on land and in the river. The actor revealed one of his most challenging sequences was an underwater confrontation between three characters: Ba Nhay (Hoai Linh), Gon (Tuan Tran), and Giang (Vo Tan Phat).

The scene required multiple takes, filming from the previous evening until 4 AM the following day. Director Trung Lun required the actors to perform their own stunts under the supervision of experts. After completing the segment, Hoai Linh and Vo Tan Phat experienced temporary hoarseness from prolonged submersion.

In another climactic scene, Ba Nhay's character is bound with rope by a villain and dropped from a height into the water. Despite the demanding stunts, the actor expressed enthusiasm for filming in the Mekong Delta, his favorite setting. "We filmed mostly under the scorching sun, but thankfully there was little night shooting. Keeping up with the film crew, I feel healthier than when I'm at home, perhaps thanks to regular meals and food that suits my taste," he shared.

Hoai Linh admitted to occasional disagreements with Trung Lun due to differing work styles. When encountering difficulties, he would discuss the feasibility of the scene with the director, leading to collaborative solutions. "I respect Trung's decisions because ultimately, the director has the clearest grasp of the storyline," he explained.

Hoai Linh (second from left) with the cast during an action scene filmed at dawn. Photo: Hoa Pham

The film, a fantasy comedy, revolves around Anh Thu (Ngoc Xuan), a young woman who dies after an accident. Her spirit remains earthbound due to her unfulfilled desire to see her child again. She promises a diamond ring to a group of characters – a father and son, Nhay and Gon (Hoai Linh and Tuan Tran), Giang (Vo Tan Phat), Tien (Diep Bao Ngoc), and Dang (La Thanh) – on the condition they secretly transport her body back to her hometown.

Internal conflicts begin to brew within the group. They attempt to outsmart each other for the entire reward, resorting to staged brake failures, causing a car to overturn on a mountain pass, and confronting each other with weapons. Consumed by greed, the group is caught in a downward spiral. Director Trung Lun poses the question: how does one's true nature emerge when faced with wealth?

Trung Lun revealed that the second installment has a more complex plot than the first. He had to balance the screen time for six characters, each with unique personalities. For example, Tien is greedy and fierce, contrasting with Gon's slow and naive demeanor. His goal was for each actor to "step outside their comfort zone" to portray distinct roles.

Hailing from Quang Nam, Hoai Linh rose to fame overseas in the 1990s performing comedy with Van Son. In the early 2000s, he returned to Vietnam to live and work. Besides stage acting, he has served as a judge on numerous game shows and starred in popular films such as "Kiss of Death", "House with 5 Fairies", and "Hello Miss Ba".

In 2021, the actor faced controversy over delays in distributing charitable donations for central Vietnam. By December of the same year, Ho Chi Minh City police confirmed no criminal wrongdoing on Hoai Linh's part. Last year, he returned to the big screen with "Getting Rich With Ghosts" (directed by Trung Lun). The film achieved a revenue of 128 billion VND – Hoai Linh's highest-grossing film to date.

Mai Nhat