#SHOWBIZ: From KL to Jakarta: 'Munafik' Indonesian remake delivers tears and terrors

ALMOST a decade after Syamsul Yusof's local horror sensation 'Munafik' took regional box offices by storm, the iconic Malaysian masterpiece has been given a fresh lease of life through an Indonesian remake.

Titled 'Munafik: Melawan Iblis', the spine-chilling reboot has hit cinemas nationwide on a high note, scaring up an impressive RM2 million within just six days of its official theatrical release on Oct 1.

The film, directed by renowned Indonesian filmmaker Guntur Soeharjanto, previously made waves across the Causeway before its Malaysian premiere.

After selling out preview screenings, it recorded nearly 150,000 admissions on its opening day in Indonesia on Sept 3, topping local box office charts and outpacing several Hollywood blockbusters.

REGIONAL BOX OFFICE TRIUMPH

Speaking on its early success, executive producer Datuk Yusof Haslam expressed his profound gratitude for the warm reception from cinema-goers on both sides of the border.

"Praise be to God, the film has received strong support from Malaysian audiences, making this a truly encouraging start," said the veteran producer.

"We would like to thank everyone who has chosen to support the film. This incredible enthusiasm motivates us to further intensify our promotional and marketing efforts, while bringing 'Munafik: Melawan Iblis' to even more audiences across the country."

Yusof added that the overwhelming response in Indonesia was a proud milestone for the Malaysian film industry, proving that a solid homegrown narrative holds universal appeal.

"We are utterly thrilled and deeply grateful to see an iconic work like 'Munafik', which made history locally, given new breath in Indonesia. It demonstrates that its core themes resonate strongly across Nusantara borders," he noted.

The idea for the remake took root around 2023 when Unlimited Production director and producer Oswin Bonifanz sought to reimagine the 2016 original.

Partnering with Skop Productions, Legacy Pictures, AZ Films, and Komet Productions, the team acquired the rights to reframe the narrative through a distinctly Indonesian cultural lens.

Oswin emphasised that the adaptation was never intended to compete with Syamsul's original classic, but rather to offer a fresh perspective tailored to local sensibilities.

For director Guntur — best known to Malaysian audiences for hit films like 'Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2' and 'Makmum 2' —helming the reboot was both an honour and a daunting undertaking.

"Reimagining a film that sparked such a phenomenon in 2016 was no easy task, especially since the original boasts scenes — particularly the famous ruqyah (exorcism) sequences — that are deeply etched in the audience's minds," Guntur shared.

"The main challenge was ensuring that the Indonesian version did not merely parrot the original, but offered a distinct narrative twist and visual approach without losing the soul of 'Munafik'."

FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON TERROR

Guntur explained that rather than relying solely on jump scares or mystical lore, he aimed to inject a deeply poignant emotional core into the horror aspect of the movie.

"This is the first time I've made a horror film that can actually make the audience weep," he revealed. "To me, this project is deeply personal because it isn't just about supernatural disturbances — it addresses loss, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit.

"I wanted viewers to feel connected to the story, to be moved to tears. Praise be to God, the reception in Indonesia has been marvellous, and I hope Malaysian audiences will similarly embrace the subtle differences and visual choices we offer."

FAITH TESTED BY DARKNESS

'Munafik: Melawan Iblis' centres on Ustaz Adam, played by Indonesian heartthrob Arya Saloka, a skilled ruqyah practitioner grappling with a crisis of faith following a tragic family loss.

Attempting to abandon his calling for a quiet life, Adam's resolve is put to the test when his neighbour, Fitri, begins experiencing terrifying, unexplained phenomena.

Drawn back into the perilous world of demonic possession, Adam is forced to confront the surrounding darkness while healing his own spiritual wounds.

Alongside Arya, acclaimed actress Acha Septriasa delivers a standout performance as Fitri, drawing widespread praise on social media from Malaysian viewers for her raw, compelling depiction of torment.

The film's star-studded ensemble cast also features Dimas Aditya, Faqih Alaydrus, Donny Damara, Widi Dwinanda, Annisa Hertami, Nova Eliza, Oce Permatasari, and Elvira Devinamira.

'Munafik: Melawan Iblis' is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.