KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Award-winning Hong Kong television stars Ali Lee (Ali) and Chris Lai (Lai Lok-yi) debut a stark departure from their previous roles, headlining the new Malaysian gangster epic, The Exiled (Yi He), which premieres this Friday (May 14). Marking their first collaboration since the hit drama Who Wants a Baby? seven years ago, the highly anticipated series flips their established images, casting Lee as a formidable triad boss’s wife and Lai as a loyal, action-oriented crime leader.
The series is set to showcase a dramatic transformation for Lee, moving beyond her familiar “Mummy” persona. Her character, nicknamed “Sister Bing,” is portrayed as a powerful, complex figure embroiled in the underworld. Promotional clips reveal intense, emotionally volatile scenes for Lee, including outbursts of weeping, as well as physically demanding sequences involving slapping, high-speed car chases, and gunfights. Opposite her, Lai plays “Brother Hon,” a deeply devoted and principled gangster who must navigate the perils of the criminal world. Lai committed fully to the demanding role, performing his own action choreography and incorporating rigorous physical conditioning, notably appearing in the drama sporting a defined physique.
The reunion was built on an enhanced professional synergy, according to Lee. “Our understanding of each other is much deeper now,” Lee stated. “Whether it involves adapting the script, dialogue, or performance nuances, we trust each other completely. If one of us suggests an adjustment, the other is ready to accept it.”
The dramatic shift in character dynamics is palpable compared to their previous work. While their earlier series focused on domestic warmth, The Exiled explores reserved emotional territories. Lee noted the striking contrast: “Previous dramas often featured much more outward, intimate expressions of emotion between partners. In The Exiled, physical intimacy is extremely rare. Our characters sustain a reserved relationship marked by mutual suspicion and concealment, which presented a new and exciting challenge for me.”
For Lai, maintaining the physical intensity required discipline during the 2.5-month shoot in Malaysia. He revealed a highly disciplined lifestyle shared with Lee. “It’s a rare privilege in this era to be able to film an entire 15-episode drama overseas,” Lai explained. “When we weren’t working, Ali and I formed a temporary family—we’d eat together, watch movies, visit supermarkets, and our downtime was spent rigorously working out in the gym.”
Lai recently previewed the first episode and expressed profound emotion. He highlighted the unique blend of international talent, noting, “Aside from Ali and myself as Hong Kong actors, the cast predominantly features actors from Malaysia and Singapore. This mix creates a distinctly fresh and invigorating atmosphere for the entire production.”
The Exiled is expected to resonate with regional audiences by offering a sophisticated take on organized crime, leveraging the star power of its lead actors while integrating authentic Southeast Asian production elements. Industry analysts suggest the drama’s ambitious scope and the leads’ radical image overhaul could solidify its position as one of the year’s most compelling regional television offerings. This cross-cultural production model signals a growing trend toward collaborative ventures spanning diverse markets in the Asian media landscape.
