Before he became known online as Malupiton, Joel Ravanera spent four years working as a restaurant dining team leader. Acting was never part of the plan. Now, he and his Kolokoys TV crew are making their big-screen debut in He’s Dating A Boldstar, an independent comedy starring Kapuso actress Analyn Barro.

Directed by Niokz Arcega, the film brings Malupiton’s familiar humor to cinemas, giving his online audience a chance to see him in a full-length movie.

The idea came about while Arcega was working on the film’s concept on his laptop and watching Malupiton’s viral videos. Amused by Ravanera’s delivery and natural comedic timing, the director reached out to him. What started with a video call eventually became a movie project.

The film was initially scheduled for release last year before being moved to an earlier date this year. It is now set for a nationwide theatrical release on October 28.

In the movie, Malupiton plays Jeboy, an ordinary man who crosses paths with Kit, a boldstar played by Barro who hopes to make a name for herself in mainstream showbiz.

A Different Experience for Malupiton

For someone whose comedy relies heavily on spontaneous banter, working on a film required Malupiton to approach his craft differently.

Kolokoys TV built its following through unscripted exchanges and humor that feels natural to its audience. A movie, however, comes with a script, scheduled scenes, and a director’s instructions. Ravanera also had to work on dramatic scenes, including moments that required him to cry.

With Arcega’s guidance, he learned to adjust to the demands of acting while keeping the humor that made him popular online. The film retains much of Kolokoys TV’s familiar comedic style, with emotional scenes giving the story more depth.

Ravanera also sees the project as an opportunity to pay tribute to Filipino comedy legends Babalu, Dolphy, and Redford White. Their work helped shape his appreciation for comedy, and he hopes to bring some of that familiar style to a new generation of moviegoers.

More importantly, the film gives him and his crew an opportunity to show what digital content creators can do outside social media.

Analyn Barro on Comedy and Being a Boldstar

For Barro, the movie is another opportunity to showcase her comedy skills.

A StarStruck Batch 6 alumna, she has been a familiar face on GMA’s Bubble Gang for nearly a decade. Her experience in sketch comedy makes her a natural fit for a film that relies on timing and chemistry between its lead actors.

Her journey in showbiz has also had its difficult moments. During the pandemic, when television productions stopped and work became uncertain, Barro turned to online selling to earn a living, offering products such as air fryers and bread makers.

When she learned that Malupiton would be her leading man in He’s Dating A Boldstar, she agreed to the project even before reading the script. She was confident in his comedic ability and looked forward to working with him.

Barro also acknowledged the influence of comedy veterans Michael V., known as Bitoy, and Chariz Solomon on her approach to the craft.

Despite its title, the film puts the spotlight on comedy rather than relying on revealing scenes. For Barro, being a boldstar can mean having the talent and confidence to entertain an audience.

“Funny is the new sexy; funny is the new boldstar,” she said.

Keeping the Kolokoys TV Humor

Arcega wanted to retain the style that made Malupiton and Kolokoys TV popular. Rather than completely changing their approach for the big screen, the production kept their familiar banter and raw dialogue in the film’s R-13 theatrical cut.

The director also drew from his background in music videos, incorporating elements of rock culture and music into the movie.

For fans who have followed Kolokoys TV online, the film offers a different way to experience the group’s humor. For Malupiton and his crew, it is an opportunity to take their comedy beyond social media and reach audiences in cinemas.

He’s Dating A Boldstar opens in cinemas nationwide on October 28.