Hoai Lam speaks about the pressure of returning to the big screen after seven years. *Video: Mai Nhat*

Singer and actor Hoai Lam is confronting significant pressure in his return to the screen, taking on the role of Thanh, a young man forced into an overseas scam operation in the film "Thien Duong Mau" (Blood Paradise). This project marks his first major cinematic appearance since "Yeu Em Bat Chap" in 2018 and follows a recent period of health challenges.

At the film's press conference on the afternoon of 23/12 in TP HCM, Hoai Lam detailed the emotional and physical demands of his character. During auditions, he found the script's scenes, particularly those depicting torture, to be intensely difficult. He initially considered withdrawing from the project, confiding his doubts to director Hoang Tuan Cuong. However, the director encouraged him to film several test scenes. Despite initial uncertainty on set, Hoai Lam found his confidence growing after completing the first scene, bolstered by the support of the director and his colleagues.

One scene that particularly haunted Hoai Lam involved Thanh and co-star Tuan (Quang Tuan) crawling through a narrow, water-filled tunnel to escape captivity. Filmed in an apartment building in the former District 2, TP HCM, the two actors spent hours immersed in murky water amidst rats and cockroaches. Hoai Lam described the experience: "This role is my most challenging project to date, but thanks to Tuan's guidance, I maintained the character's emotional and psychological depth."

Hoai Lam's appearance in his new role. *Photo: Huong Le*

"Thien Duong Mau" is the first Vietnamese feature film to explore the issue of scamming Vietnamese people abroad. The narrative follows young individuals lured by promises of "easy work, high pay" who are then taken to isolated areas. There, they are held captive and compelled to make calls to defraud others. The central character, Tuan, embarks on a quest to find his missing sister, leading him into the heart of the criminal organization.

Director Hoang Tuan Cuong and screenwriter Hanh Thuy conducted extensive research for the film, reviewing documentary videos of victim rescue operations and interviewing rescued individuals about their experiences. The director emphasized that the film avoids focusing on brutal torture scenes, instead aiming to convey a positive message that highlights the profound value of family bonds.

Due to constraints preventing overseas filming, the production team meticulously constructed domestic sets. The design department dedicated months to preparing props, including specific license plates and signboards. The Dien Anh Cong An Nhan Dan (People's Public Security Cinema) provided professional assistance, offering legal advice on plot details. The film's cast also includes artists Hoang Trinh, Quach Ngoc Ngoan, Thanh Huong, Sy Toan, and Bich Ngoc. "Thien Duong Mau" is rated 16+ and is set to premiere on 30/12.

Trailer for "Thien Duong Mau" (Blood Paradise) - rated 16+, premiering on 30/12. *Video: Film crew provided*

Hoai Lam's return to work follows a period of illness. In late 2024, he was hospitalized, resulting in the cancellation of two concerts in TP HCM and a three-month hiatus from singing.

The 30-year-old artist gained prominence after winning "Guong Mat Than Quen" (Your Face Sounds Familiar) in 2014. In 2017, he became less active after beginning a relationship with Bao Ngoc, artist Bao Quoc's granddaughter. Following their separation in late 2019, he retreated from the public eye. In 2020, Hoai Lam made a successful comeback with hit songs "Hoa No Khong Mau" (Colorless Flowers) and "Buon Lam Chi Em Oi" (Why Be Sad, My Dear) by Nguyen Minh Cuong, after a two-year absence from the stage. That year, he won Song of the Year at the Cong Hien Awards and a Lan Song Xanh Award. He has also appeared in films such as "Quy Tu Bat Dac Di" (2015) and "Tia Toi La Cao Thu" (2016), where his natural acting received praise.

By Mai Nhat