20/06/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | JUNE 20, 2026

22

Chelot sets benchmark with action sequence U PCOMING movie Chelot has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the Longest o Local film enters Malaysia Book of Records

Kata Hati rekindles love for romantic comedies AFTER being overshadowed for years by the dominance of action and horror films, the romantic comedy genre made a return to Malaysian cinemas through the recent release of Kata Hati . The latest production is expected to rekindle audiences’ love for stories that celebrate everyday life and light-hearted romance, reminiscent of films that once became cultural phenomena such as Soal Hati , Gol & Gincu and Istanbul Aku Datang . However, reviving a genre that was once a crowd favourite was far from easy. The project, which began development in 2020, had to wait nearly six years before securing the support needed to move into production. This was largely due to shifts in the local film industry, which has increasingly favoured action and horror films, leaving director Nadiah Hamzah facing numerous challenges in finding stakeholders who truly believed in the potential of a romantic comedy. “Between 2020 and 2025, many people were not confident about stories in this genre. The lengthy process was really about finding producers who believed in the project and were willing to help bring it to life. “The challenges continued until we met a producer at the end of 2024. The project was also supported by funding from Finas (National Film Development Corp Malaysia),” she said during Bernama Radio’s Showbuzz programme recently. Nadiah, who won a Bronze Award in the Public Service Announcement category at the 2019 Cannes Lions Awards, said her decision to make a romantic comedy was not simply an attempt to stand out in a film landscape currently dominated by action and horror titles. Instead, the Penang-born director, who began her career in advertising before transitioning to filmmaking, said the idea for Kata Hati stemmed from her desire to explore a lighter genre following her debut feature film Motif , which was heavily centred on thriller and mystery elements. – Bernama Kata Hati revolves around a love triangle involving a rising female actress and an e-hailing driver. – TGVPIC

Single-Take Action Sequence in a Movie, a rare and technically demanding feat in the local film industry. The record-breaking sequence was executed using a single camera, spanning an impressive 1.9km and unfolding continuously over five minutes and 19 seconds, showcasing a level of precision, coordination and ambition seldom seen in Malaysian filmmaking. The production brought together a 300-member crew, requiring 150 days of preparation and 60 hours of rehearsal, with 50 prop cars used

Film crew plan an action sequence.

spectacle Chelot . Produced by ACT 2 Pictures, Golden Screen Cinemas, Astro Shaw, SunStrong Entertainment and Marvelous Culture & Film, Chelot has begun building anticipation with the release of its teaser poster featuring Beto Kusyairy and Shukri Yahya. Reflecting on his return to the genre, Teh shared: “After directing Malbatt: Misi Bakara in 2022, I took a step back from action to explore different genres and storytelling approaches. But this return isn’t about revisiting the familiar – it’s about pushing boundaries and delivering something truly fresh, something Malaysian audiences have never experienced before.” He added the ambitious single take sequence required months of meticulous planning and preparation, with flawless execution on the day of filming. “This achievement is not mine alone – it’s the result of a collective effort by the entire production team, made possible with the support of the Royal Malaysia Police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall,” he said.

throughout the filming process. Film director Adrian Teh is synonymous with high-octane, large scale action in Malaysian cinema. Following the box office successes of Paskal: The Movie and Malbatt: Misi Bakara , the acclaimed director returns with his latest action

A teaser poster for the movie.

The crew of the movie. – HANDOUT PICS

Syafiq Kyle, Beto Kusyairy join forces for crime thriller Hak: Tuntut Atau Tunduk

HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk , which is in production and set for a nationwide cinema release later this year, highlights the first-ever on-screen collaboration between actors Syafiq Kyle and Beto Kusyairy, with the story centering on an intense cat-and mouse pursuit. Directed by Ezrie Gazali, best

known for Abah Saya Uncle Mike , the film is written by One Cent Thief creator Alfie Palermo based on an original story idea by Santharuban Thurai Sundaram. The action drama stars Syafiq, Beto, Kodi Rasheed, Mimi Lana, Fadhli Masoot, Aziz M. Osman, Radhi Khalid, Rubini Sambanthan, El Umar Mokhtar

and Datuk Fizz Fairuz. Set against the realities of rising living costs and economic uncertainty, Hak: Tuntut Atau Tunduk follows Hakim, played by Syafiq, a public market operations officer struggling to secure enough money before the birth of his first child. His desperation eventually pushes him into exploiting the people around him before his situation spirals further after discovering a mysterious bag filled with cash. The discovery places him and his family in danger as ruthless individuals begin hunting him down. Filming has taken place across real public markets and apartment communities around the Klang Valley to create what the production team describes as a more grounded and immersive portrayal of everyday Malaysian life. The film combines social realism with a strong commercial thriller element. Audiences will get to see Syafiq and Beto face off in an intense chase narrative alongside a strong supporting cast and creative team.

A gritty action drama rooted in realities many Malaysians know all too well. and executive producer Santharuban said the idea came from observing shifts within Malaysia’s local business landscape and conversations surrounding economic participation and opportunity. He explained the film hopes to encourage broader discussions about ownership, ambition and the importance of seizing opportunities within local communities. Original story creator

Syafiq (left) and Beto face off in an intense cat-and-mouse chase fuelled by desperation and impossible choices. – HANDOUT PICS