Vivamax’s newest film, Mapanukso, promises a unique perspective on the familiar theme of male dancers and their wealthy patrons. While the core story might echo films like Macho Dancer and Midnight Dancers, director Abdel Langit emphasizes a fresh approach.
Langit highlights the film’s distinction in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment. He acknowledges the familiar narrative structure but reveals his focus on delivering a new viewpoint.
“I told the screenwriter that the story itself isn’t new, but the perspective is entirely different. When you watch the movie, you can’t help but remember the films made by Lino Brocka, Mel Chionglo, and even Joel Lamangan, Anak ng Macho Dancer. Structurally, that’s how the story goes. When I read the script, I realized that we need to offer something different,” Langoit stated,
Mapanukso delves into the lives of five male dancers who navigate the world of seduction and temptation.
Sean de Guzman portrays Carlo, a kind-hearted dancer with aspirations of becoming a chef and migrating abroad. He mentors a troubled youngster, Angelo (played by Itan Rosales), who gets drawn into the world of dance at “The Den,” a private club catering to wealthy women.
Marco Gomez essays Primo, a dancer masking his insecurities with a tough exterior. He faces a challenge when his sugar mommy, Tanya (Ataska), shows interest in Angelo.
Mon Mendoza portrays Benjie, a commitment-phobic dancer involved with Abby (Thia Ledesma), a sugar baby to a powerful politician.
Calvin Reyes takes on the role of Jason, a married man with children who hides his true profession from his family.
While the dancers benefit financially, their relationships with powerful women come with hidden complexities. They soon find themselves caught in a web of manipulation, not just from the women they entertain but also from the allure of the city itself.
Langit concludes by highlighting a key theme: “What separates this film from the previous titles I mentioned is that, in this story, women are the ones manipulating men. They are powerful in this movie.”
He emphasizes the film’s deeper message, portraying the city’s dazzling exterior masking a constant state of internal transformation.
“Another metaphor I used was the city itself, the setting of the story. It’s beautiful and vibrant from afar but it’s aching and goes through a continuous process of reconstruction from the inside,” Langit said.
Mapanukso premieres today exclusively on Vivamax.