Sandokan: The Adventures of the Tiger of Malaysia

When it comes to rhythm, I Love Disco is always present… “The more cruel the war, and man knows what war is, the warm and tender is love, and man knows what love is…” do these words remind you of anything?

But how, Discolovers?!? It is the beginning of the Sandokan theme song. It was 1976, and Italians were glued to their televisions to follow the adventures of the Tiger of Malaysia, namely Sandokan. The miniseries, as they were called back then, was filmed in India in 1974 but broadcast on Rai Uno for the first time in 1976. It was a resounding success, launching Indian actor Kabir Bedi as an international star and Oliver Onions (a Roman group), who sang the famous theme song, to the top of the Italian Hit Parade with the song that remains the official anthem of the “Tiger of Malaysia” to this day. “Sandokan,” directed by Sergio Sollima, was an eight-part miniseries based on the stories of Emilio Salgari, focusing on the exploits and romances of an Indian prince ousted by the British, who became more of a champion of the weak than a pirate. With a half-Indian and half-European cast, “Sandokan” kept millions of viewers glued to their seats, also because at the heart of the story was the “Tiger’s” love for the young Marianna Guillonk, played by the beautiful blonde Carole André. Other unforgettable characters from that legendary miniseries were the demonic James Brookeplayed by Adolfo Celi and the Tiger’s close friend Yanez de Gomera, brought to life by Philippe Leroy. But above all, the character played by Kabir Bedi remains unforgettable, as he gave the Salgarian hero honor, vulnerability, and charisma. Before this miniseries, several films about Sandokan were made in the 1960s, featuring forgettable and uncharismatic actors. Thanks to Kabir Bedi, however, the “Tiger” was able to roar even for those who did not know his stories, reviving the fame of Salgarian heroes for many generations of viewers. Therefore, I can only conclude this post by remembering my evenings with my family in front of the TV… humming: “…Sandokan, Sandokan… the yellow sun gives me strength… Sandokan, Sandokan…!”