Cover image via
PETRONAS (YouTube)
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This year, they’ve opted to create a beautiful, fully-animated webfilm to remind Malaysians that joy can be found even during challenging times.
Titled Akka, which means big sister, this loose adaptation of the famous Indian epic of Ramayana creatively draws parallels between our experiences fighting COVID-19 and the battle of good vs evil.
Anchoring on PETRONAS’ 2021 festive theme, ‘Stories of Joy’, the entertaining webfilm urges us to have faith in our own power during this journey towards recovery. Capturing the spirit of Deepavali — the triumph of light over darkness — Akka serves as a reminder that family and faith are vital in helping us overcome any obstacles we may face.
While preparing for Deepavali, Dheeya battles not only her inner struggle for her mother’s approval, but also the mischievousness of Prem, her younger brother. But when Prem goes missing, Dheeya and her best friend, Surya, will have to face a real battle with a creature of darkness, while discovering the true meaning of family and love along the way.
Dheeya’s mother: “This kolam is going to chase the evil away.”
Prem: “Ball! Ball!”
Dheeya: “Prem!”
Dheeya’s mother: “Prem! Oh, look at what you’ve done to yourself.”
Dheeya: “Oh no! Prem! You’re really going to get it from Amma later!
Prem: “Give it to me! Amma! Amma! I want Amma!”
Dheeya: “It’s the Rona monster! Prem! Surya, I’ll toss this, you launch the arrow!”
Just as Deepavali is the festival of light that banishes darkness, we too can find the light in our lives to dispel darkness.
At the end of the day, it is love for our family, the bonds of friendship, and the importance of believing in ourselves that will help pull us through any difficulties we experience.
Created by local artist Lashanya Rangoli, you can check out the intricate, recreation of Amma’s colourful kolam from the animated webfilm at the PETRONAS stations in Lingkaran Karak and Mutiara Damansara.
They’ll be there until 8 November, so make sure to check ’em out before they’re gone!
Whether you’re WhatsApp-ing Deepavali greetings to your friends or having a Deepavali family video call, the vibrant and fun stickers and backgrounds are sure to make this festive season a special one.
You can download them from PETRONAS’ Facebook page.