“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa ‘Echorsis’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line-up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, who plays the lead role of a gay-swindling gigolo in “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil.”

“Naranasan namin sa ‘Heneral Luna’ na matanggal dahil mahina ang benta ng ticket nung first day,” he relates. “Mabuti na lang naging matagumpay ang campaign sa social media na madagdagan ang mga sinehan.”

In “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” directed by Lemuel Lorca, Medina portrays the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo, who was possessed by a gay spirit after the death of his lover Kristoff (John Lapus).

The film, which topbills Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as Father Nick, was written by Jerry Gracio and produced by Chris Cahilig of Insight 360. It is rated R13 by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Lapus is optimistic that Filipino audiences—particularly the lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community—will rally behind “Echorsis.”

“Nababasa namin sa comments sa official trailer ng ‘Echorsis’ na maraming naghihintay na ipalabas ito,” he said.

Out-of-the-box comedy

According to Cahilig, “Echorsis” is an intelligent and out-of-the-box brand of comedy.

“The Filipino moviegoers are ready for a black comedy like ‘Echorsis.’ The box-office records of well-made films such as ‘That Thing Called Tadhana,’ ‘English Only, Please’ and ‘Heneral Luna’ gave us the courage to push through with the project despite its unconventional plot,” explains the producer.

“Echorsis” takes pride in bringing together a powerful and award-winning production team led by Lorca, who recently won the best picture trophy in CineFilipino for his film “Ned’s Project.”

The movie’s official trailer has gone viral and received over four million views.

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino and Yheen Valero.