Malaysia's original superhero returns: Astro Shaw unveils next phase of ‘Keluang Man' franchise with ‘Baling' film, new live-action series
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — It has been several weeks since the May 29 nationwide release of the much-anticipated live-action film featuring Malaysia's original superhero, Keluang Man.
Since its debut, the majority of Malaysians have shown great appreciation for the film, with many praising its nostalgic '90s vibe and the distinctly Malaysian soundtrack woven throughout.
However, the most widespread acclaim has undoubtedly gone to the lead actor Nas Muammar Zar (Nas-T) for his performance as Borhan, also known as Keluang Man, as his portrayal of the character and unique acting style have been especially well received.
While the film has received praise, it has also raised questions about the future of the Keluang Man franchise and the broader Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU), which was announced last year.
Questions remain about the future development of the concept, in addition to what lies ahead for the Keluang Man franchise.
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, head of Astro Shaw, said that the Keluang Man franchise universe will continue with the film Baling, to be showcased next in the universe.
'While Keluang Man was based on the original 90s animation by Kamn Ismail, Baling will draw from a folklore that many Malaysians may find familiar.
'It will incorporate elements of a Malaysian story that audiences might recognise,' she said, adding, 'It is going to be darker than Keluang Man.'
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad stated the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe will continue as planned. — Picture by Choo Choy May
As for the Keluang Man films, the sequel will still move forward, but before the planned sequel, a live-action Keluang Man series will be released.
'It's not a continuation; it's something fresh, though the character of Borhan will still be there.
"This is the next stage of Keluang Man, and it's slightly different from how we're approaching the next chapter of Keluang Man, which will be presented as an original series," said Jastina.
The story is currently in development, but director Answari Ashraf will return to take the lead for the series.
The release is tentatively planned for late next year or early the following year, though no official date has been set.
Regarding the future of the whole ASCU, Jastina confirmed that it is still moving forward, where characters under Astro Shaw will come together in an ultimate convergence film in 2028.
'There are no changes in terms of what we're planning to deliver. It's just that we might add a few things or move some elements forward.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
42 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Inteam's 25th anniversary concert sells out in an hour, fans beg for second show
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Tickets for Inteam's 'Kasih Kekasih 25 Tahun' concert, set to take place at IdeaLive Arena in Petaling Jaya on Sept 28, sold out within an hour of going on sale online at noon today. The overwhelming response is clear proof that the nasyid group — comprising Mohd Syahril Abdul Khalid, Hazamin Harun, Hisyam Ahmad and Abdul Rahim Osman — still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Speaking to Bernama, Hazamin expressed gratitude that the group, now in its 25th year in the local music scene, continues to receive strong support from fans. 'We're deeply touched and thankful that even after 25 years, Inteam still enjoys overwhelming support. We didn't expect to draw the support of our longtime fans. And at the same time, many from Gen Z were also competing for tickets to our concert. 'The response was tremendous, with traffic on the ticketing site surpassing 80,000 visitors at one time (during peak hours). Some even used up to 10 devices and bot systems just to secure a spot at the concert,' he said, apologising to fans who were unable to purchase tickets. When asked about the possibility of having an additional concert date or alternatives for fans who missed out, he said the group is currently exploring several options, including adding another concert day or streaming a recording of the show online. Earlier, the group — known for hits such as 'Kasih Kekasih' and 'Nur Kasih' — announced via their official Instagram page that tickets for the Inteam concert had sold out in just one hour. Instagram user @ was among those who managed to secure a ticket to the concert. 'Alhamdulillah, managed to purchase four tickets — my hands are still shaking in disbelief. Best birthday gift ever,' she wrote. Others like @fadhrosli, @namekusuhailie_, @adeeepshinoda and @syznazahari were not as lucky and urged Inteam to hold a second concert after losing out in the ticket rush. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
P. Ramlee's enduring legacy a beacon of national unity, says deputy minister
GEORGE TOWN, June 14 — The late legendary artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee was more than just a cultural icon; he was also a symbol of national unity whose legacy continues to unify Malaysians regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, said Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy. She said P. Ramlee's lifetime creative works transcended racial and religious boundaries, depicting the lives of ordinary people with profound humanity, including love, mutual respect, looking out for one another and a strong sense of family. 'I believe messages of unity reflected in the works of P. Ramlee, whose real name was Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Puteh, will continue to be remembered, remain relevant and serve as a beacon for the harmony of Malaysia Madani. 'This aligns with the government's aspiration to foster a united Madani society that is respectful of one another, regardless of race, culture, or religion. P. Ramlee has left us with a timeless legacy through his creative works and brilliant ideas,' she said when officiating the closing ceremony of Minggu Kenangan P. Ramlee: 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' and the music forum 'Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu' here today. According to her, messages of harmony, unity, cooperation, and mutual respect were brilliantly captured and highlighted in the artiste's works. Also present were National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, Penang Fan Club president Tan Sri Yussof Latiff and renowned lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan. Various programmes were lined up throughout the event, including a lecture by preacher Datuk Mohamad Kazim Elias, better known as Ustaz Kazim, titled 'Sedangkan Lidah Lagi Tergigit' on May 24 and the 'Satu Dalam Sejuta' run on May 25 at Padang Kota Lama. Saraswathy elaborated that the programme aligns well with the aspirations of Ikhtiar 4 under the National Unity Ministry's 2025 Strategic Plan, particularly within the Socio-Cultural Community Cluster: Semarak Perpaduan, which aims to deepen appreciation for national heritage, instil pride in cultural identity and strengthen bonds among Malaysia's multiracial communities through the arts and shared history. 'Besides that, collaboration and partnership in organising such programmes are crucial in efforts to preserve the nation's cultural heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and corporate bodies to collaborate in forming similar partnerships for the benefit of society and the nation. 'May the National Archives' aspiration to disseminate information and strengthen public understanding of unity through the messages conveyed in P. Ramlee's works be successfully realised. It is hoped that through these efforts, the spirit of cohesion and harmony among the Malaysia Madani society can be preserved,' she added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
National Laureate A. Samad Said turns 90, but the ink still flows
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — It has been a while since news last emerged about National Laureate Datuk Seri Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, better known as A. Samad Said. He was last seen at the 2024 Merdeka Award ceremony here on Aug 28 last year, where Pak Samad — as he is also fondly referred to — was among seven persons conferred awards for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The highly respected novelist and poet's love for books and writing has not faded one bit despite having turned 90 in April this year. His musician/writer son Az Abdul Samad, 44, assisted Bernama with this interview to gain an insight into the life of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in modern Malay literary history. Love for books, writing A. Samad Said — one of whose earliest short stories 'Hari Ini Hari Gembira' was written way back in October 1954 — is also regarded as a voice of the people's conscience and a symbol of the resilience of the Malay language. Also known by several pen names, including Hilmy Isa, Isa Dahmuri, Jamil Kelana, Manja, Mesra and Shamsir, he has five children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Born on April 9, 1935, in Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, he was raised in Singapore and received his early education at Kota Raja Malay School before continuing his education at Victoria Institution. He passed the Senior Cambridge Certificate examination in 1956. After completing his studies, he worked as a clerk at the Singapore General Hospital. A. Samad Said later moved to Kuala Lumpur where he joined a newspaper called Fikiran Rakyat as a journalist. After several months, he returned to Singapore to work with Utusan Zaman which, together with Utusan Melayu, was under the Utusan Group, led by prominent Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist Usman Awang. When the company relocated to Kuala Lumpur, A. Samad Said followed suit, assisting Usman Awang in managing Mastika, a magazine. Later, A. Samad Said served as the Head of Literary Development at the New Straits Times. In 1987, he stepped down from his editorial position at Berita Harian to fully dedicate himself to writing, focusing on essays and poetry. Unexpected honour Asked how he felt about being a recipient of the 2024 Merdeka Award, A. Samad Said responded, 'Honestly, I didn't expect it and I never imagined it. But of course, I'm happy.' Reflecting on his over seven-decade-long literary career filled with many ups and downs, he said he has always enjoyed being a writer even though 'one can't really rely on it for a steady monthly income... it's unpredictable. 'Sometimes, you earn well and at other times, you get nothing at all. But because it's a path I chose from the beginning, I have no regrets.' On his achievements, he said he did not expect to become so popular, confessing that his success as a novelist surprised him. 'After receiving praise and material rewards, I felt like it was an unexpected gift for which I'm truly grateful. 'Every time I write something that receives a good response, I feel it's not only a personal gain but also benefits society. I believe it (such achievements) becomes part of the nation's treasure,' he said. He also said among the many highlights of his career, his most cherished experience was writing 'Al-Amin', a poem chronicling the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 'I never thought I would complete an entire anthology of Islamic poetry ('Al-Amin'). I'm proud of my other works too but not in the same way... 'Al-Amin' is the most challenging as it required my full sincerity, deepest knowledge and capability to write it,' he added. Salina, a masterpiece A. Samad Said's name reached its pinnacle with the official publication of his novel Salina in 1961. The story revolves around the conflict and struggles of a woman named Salina, set against the backdrop of post–World War II society. Salina, a mistress, seeks to reclaim her dignity and find her place in a society that has marginalised her, following the loss of her true love and a life marked by sacrifice. Through Salina's character, the novel explores themes of poverty, morality, love and redemption, while also highlighting conflicts between traditional values and the changing times. With its realistic setting and poetic narrative style, Salina is not only a landmark in modern Malay literature for its bold storytelling and aesthetic finesse but has also become an essential reading for every literature enthusiast. Although it only received a consolation prize in a 1958 competition organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Salina went on to be celebrated as the first-ever Malay novel and has been reprinted numerous times, including a special 60th anniversary edition in 2021. Other notable novels by A. Samad Said include Hujan Pagi, which portrays the psychological turmoil of a pre-war journalist struggling to adapt to the changing direction and environment of modern journalism. His other works such as Daerah Zeni', Sungai Mengalir Lesu, Di Hadapan Pulau and Keledang capture the experiences and anxieties of society from various dimensions. A. Samad Said also drew inspiration from his travels, turning each journey into literary material. For instance, his visit to India in 1965 inspired Bulan Tak Bermadu di Fatehpur Sikri while his 1989 trip to Europe gave rise to Cinta Fansuri and Warkah Eropah. These works not only reflect his fascination with foreign cultures but also demonstrate his ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives. His critical reflections on literature and the global writing scene are evident in his essay collections Tangan yang Simpatik, Antara Bulan dan Wira and Ilham di Tepi Tasik. One of his works resonating with the younger generation is the poem 'Gagak Parit', translated into English as 'The Dead Crow' by Harry Aveling. The poem was part of Malaysia's secondary school English curriculum from 2000 to 2009 and even became the focus of a visual art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, a testament to its cross-generational impact. To strengthen the letter-writing genre in Malay literature, A. Samad Said penned Warkah Kepada Salmi Manja, addressed to his wife. He made his mark in drama as well, particularly through the play Lantai T. Pinkie, which was staged 17 times up to 2023. His poetry collections such as 68 Soneta Pohon Gingko, Balada Hilang Peta and several of his translated works extended his literary reach internationally, including in South Korea. He also participated in numerous literary programmes, inspiring younger generations. In 2019, he was appointed Resident Literarian at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, which also houses the Pak Samad Gallery — a living archive of his works. Among the prestigious accolades he has received are: 'Pejuang Sastera' (1976), S.E.A. Write Award (1979), National Laureate (1985), 'Sasterawan Nusantara' (1999) and most recently, the Merdeka Award 2024. The Merdeka Award, given by the Merdeka Award Trust founded by Petronas and Shell, was established on Aug 27, 2007. This award celebrates the achievements and significant contributions of individuals and organisations within their respective fields. Overcame stuttering Sharing how he overcame his biggest handicap — stuttering — A. Samad Said said: 'My biggest challenge has been my stutter. From the beginning, I had a dream of becoming a great orator. So, I would go to the seashore, wait for the big waves to crash and I would try to shout louder than the waves hitting the shore or rocks. 'My role model was actually someone who also stuttered — I've forgotten his name — but I wanted to surpass him. He started off with a stutter but eventually overcame it and that inspired me.' On other challenges he faced in the past, he said while he could not recollect them, he, however, remembers that whenever he was inspired to create something and it took him a long time to complete it, he would get worried. 'But once I overcome it (the challenges), there's a sense of relief.' A. Samad Said's wife Datin Seri Saleha Abdul Rashid, who he married in 1958, was a fellow poet and novelist, and a former journalist and one of the pioneering women writers advocating social justice and women's rights. She was better known as Salmi Manja. In 1979, he married his second wife Rashidah Md Dahan. Salmi Manja passed away on Dec 26, 2023, at the age of 86. When asked how he balanced his career and personal life, he replied: 'I honestly can't separate the two. To me, every passing moment is meaningful. Reading is my only pastime... I feel at ease when I have a book on my right and left. 'In my free time, I enjoy daydreaming and reminiscing the past,' he added. On his life philosophy, he said he always reminds people that the opportunity to come into this world is a gift and not everyone gets that chance. 'But I did and I am grateful for it. Each person interprets life in their own way but it is something that must be cherished. As a writer, I try to do the best I can,' he said. He also said having gone through difficult phases in his life, his religious beliefs became even more significant to him. 'Whenever I feel anxious, I find comfort in reading the Al-Quran,' he said, adding he considers his success at overcoming his stutter an 'extraordinary achievement'. 'I hope I made meaningful contributions to my people and my country through my presence in this world. And if this has happened, I am content.' Never take what belongs to others In addition to being a literary figure, A. Samad Said was also actively involved in social and political activism. He played a key role in the 'Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI' (2009), which opposed the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, and he participated in the Bersih 2.0 and 3.0 rallies, advocating for electoral reforms in Malaysia. His sincerity and perseverance, as well as his struggles and diverse experiences, shaped his thinking and personality, establishing him as one of Malaysia's most respected literary figures. These days, he finds comfort in reading classic literature — books he never had time to finish earlier in life. 'Now, I spend more time reading classics I didn't manage to finish before. For example, I enjoy reading works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy and Ernest Hemingway... I didn't finish reading their books in the past but now I'm taking it slow, savouring every moment and 'gathering' wisdom,' he said. His message to the public is simple and profound: 'Do good... contribute to your people and your country. Young people should ask themselves, 'What do I really want to become?' Then pursue it. Serve others. And never steal... never take what rightfully belongs to someone else.' — Bernama
