Heba Mashari Hamada composed the original songs for the musical, which is directed by Tamer Mahdy.
MBC Group has announced the success of its first-ever Arabic-language musical production, Sukkar. Starring the emerging Khaleeji talent Hala Al Turk in a pivotal role, the cinematic milestone has surpassed the $2m mark at the box office since its theatrical debut in October 2023.
The success of Sukkar has captivated audiences across the Arab world, establishing a cinematic phenomenon never before witnessed in the region, the MBC Group said. Crafted by Heba Mishari Hamada and directed by Tamer Mahdy, the film weaves original music, compelling storytelling, and family-friendly content, resonating strongly with viewers and contributing to its remarkable box office performance.
Taking the lead in production is MBC Group, in collaboration with Aroma Productions, overseeing cinematic execution under the supervision of MBC Studios.
Speaking about the success of the film, Christina Wayne, Managing Director at MBC Studios, said: “Surpassing $2m at the box office marks an impressive breakthrough for the region, especially in the realm of musicals. Sukkar not only attains tremendous success but also sets a new standard for cinematic excellence, reaffirming the region’s appetite for diverse, high-quality, and culturally resonant storytelling.
“The ongoing success of Sukkar reflects the sustained demand from Arab families who continue to head to theatres to watch the movie. This success will no doubt pave the way for future endeavours in the realm of musical filmmaking, showcasing the potential for original content and narratives that enchant our audiences.”
Sukkar unfolds the journey of Sukkar (played by Al Turk) and her friends residing in an orphanage, waking up each day with hopes of transforming their lives into something more meaningful and vibrant. Despite their hopeful outlook, the orphanage’s manager, Ratiba, proves exceptionally unkind, intensifying the challenges faced by the children in their pursuit of a better life.
Featuring 12 original songs, Sukkar draws inspiration from the famous epistolary novel Daddy-Long-Legs by American writer Jean Webster. All original songs were penned by Heba Mashari Hamada, with the soundtrack composed by Ehab Abdel Wahed, arranged by Ahmed Tareq Yehya, and produced by Joy Music Production. Renowned Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad lends his voice to the film.
Joining Al Turk in Sukkar is an ensemble of young performers from the GCC and the Middle East, including Yasmina El Abd, Hajar Mohamad, Wedema Ahmad, Maria Gomaa, Moataz Heshaam, Mohamad Al Harbi, Bafly Reymond Isaac, and twins Abdullah and Omar Khaled. Adult roles feature prominent actors Magda Zaki, Mohamed Tharwat, and Reham Al Shanawany.
The family-friendly musical is distributed by Empire Entertainment.
The film was filmed in Egypt, with each filming location and set decoration specifically designed and constructed for the production.
