‘Topakk’ joins MMFF 2024 Starring Julia Montes, Arjo Atayde

The Filipino action film Topakk has been making waves globally, from its premiere at Cannes to screenings in Locarno and Austin, Texas. With its official entry in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), audiences are eager to see the intense action and psychological drama unfold on the big screen this coming December 25, 2024. However, there's a unique twist: Topakk has received two ratings for local release—R-16 and R-18. But will this rating split significantly alter the film's storytelling, or will it only result in subtle changes?

Producer Sylvia Sanchez explains that the film's R-16 version is intended for theaters like SM cinemas, while the R-18 version is meant for other venues. The R-16 cut is slightly toned down, with less graphic violence compared to the R-18 version, which has more intense gore. Despite the differences in content, Topakk will not feature the full director's cut that was shown internationally at film festivals.

For director Richard V. Somes, this decision to create two versions is a necessary compromise for local audiences. "The R-18 cut was presented at the international festivals, where we could fully explore the raw intensity of the film," Somes shared. "However, with the local screenings, we had to adjust the level of gore to meet the requirements for different cinema chains."

While the shift from R-18 to R-16 will certainly impact the intensity of some scenes, it is unlikely to change the core of Topakk’s storytelling. The film’s strength lies in its blend of high-stakes action and deep emotional themes, including PTSD, redemption, and corruption. These themes are woven into the fabric of the film, with the lead performances by Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes bringing emotional depth to the characters’ struggles.

In both versions, the psychological drama and gripping action sequences remain central. However, in the R-16 cut, some of the more graphic moments are toned down to fit a broader audience. That said, the emotional core of the film will remain, and viewers will still experience the power of the performances and the striking visuals that have impressed international audiences.

At the heart of Topakk is the portrayal of a former special forces operative, played by Arjo Atayde, who battles the effects of PTSD. Preparing for such a complex role wasn’t easy, but Atayde dove deep into understanding the emotional and psychological toll of the disorder. "It was important to portray the raw, unfiltered reality of PTSD," Atayde shared. "I worked closely with experts and survivors to understand their experiences and ensure that the portrayal was both authentic and respectful."

Julia Montes, who plays a central role as the sister on the run, also took on a gritty, action-packed character that differs from her usual roles. Her commitment to the emotional and physical demands of the character earned her recognition for her versatility.

While the R-16 version of Topakk offers a slightly softer take, it still delivers the emotional depth and action that fans have come to expect. For viewers who saw the film at international festivals, the R-18 cut offered a more intense viewing experience, but Somes is confident that even the toned-down version will resonate with local audiences.

“The full director’s cut was designed for a mature audience, but we’ve ensured that both versions of Topakk still tell a compelling story,” Somes said. "We’re excited to bring it home to the Philippines, and we hope that audiences can appreciate both the intensity of the film and the emotional journey it takes them on.”

In the end, whether you’re watching the R-16 or R-18 version of Topakk, the heart of the film remains intact. The story of redemption, mental health, and the cost of violence is one that transcends the level of gore. While the two different ratings may lead to some changes in the film’s intensity, Topakk promises to be a powerful cinematic experience no matter which version you see.

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