In a special media gathering today, it was announced that two acclaimed Malaysian production houses, Red Communications and Komet Productions, have joined forces to deliver a gripping new horror film set in 1950s Malaysia. Titled Khadam, the film promises to merge the richness of Nusantara folklore with chilling cinematic storytelling, anchored by powerful characters.
Leading this cross border collaboration is a stellar cast fronted by Aghniny Haque, widely recognised as the queen of Indonesian horror through her roles in KKN Desa Penari and Pemandi Jenazah, alongside Malaysia’s own heartthrob Remy Ishak known for The Experts, Pulang and Sangkar, as well as rising star Siti Khadijah Halim who has made her mark in From Saga With Love and Ash and Aish.
Khadam marks Red Communications’ bold entry into the horror genre, combining Red’s celebrated storytelling expertise with Komet Productions’ strong track record as a trusted Southeast Asian content partner through works such as Blood Brothers Bara Naga, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 and Siksa Kubur. The milestone project has already drawn significant international attention with foreign investors including Sil Metropole from Hong Kong and Applause Entertainment from India showing strong interest, signalling the growing global appetite for high quality Southeast Asian genre films rooted in distinctive cultural heritage. The project has also received support from FINAS, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia.
Helming the film is director Shamyl Othman, who previously directed Rahsia, one of Malaysia’s blockbuster horror titles, while the screenplay is written by Fariza Azlina Isahak, the acclaimed writer behind Songlap and KAMI The Movie, both celebrated for capturing the voice of their generation.
The story of Khadam follows Melor, who after the passing of her mother, reluctantly inherits her family’s saka, a spiritual inheritance with dark and mystical undertones. As the saka tightens its grip, she must race against time to protect her young daughter from a violent fate as the next mistress of this sinister legacy. More than just a horror film, Khadam offers a poignant exploration of motherhood and the difficult choices women must make under both societal and supernatural pressures, told through a suspense filled narrative deeply rooted in Southeast Asian folklore.
The collaboration between Red Communications and Komet Productions reflects a continued effort to strengthen the local film industry by pooling resources, talent and vision to elevate Malaysian horror on the regional stage. With an Indonesian star taking a central role in this Malaysia based project, the film is poised to attract audiences across Southeast Asia.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid September 2025 with a targeted release in cinemas nationwide and selected regional markets in 2026, and will also feature Jun Lojong alongside child actors and siblings Zarra Zhaff and Karl’El.
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