SINGAPORE - Did you do a double take when you saw these photos?

On the left is Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. On the right is veteran Singaporean actor Lim Kay Tong, 60, who will play Mr Lee in the local film 1965 in a photo taken at an imaging session, with make-up and an outfit that is similar to what Mr Lee frequently wears.

The $2.8-million movie, which is helmed by director Randy Ang and executive producer Daniel Yun, is slated for release next year to commemorate Singapore's 50 years of independence. With a cast that includes Qi Yuwu, Joanne Peh and Deanna Yusoff, it tells the stories of people living in the tumultuous times leading up to Singapore's independence. Shooting begins next month.