Meet acclaimed Indonesian actress Aghniny Haque and Malaysia's rising princess Siti Khadijah Halim. Two young actresses who have been earning rave reviews for their performances over the past several years.
But together they also produce incredible chemistry and magic in a new gothic mystery-mystique and horror movie 'Khadam' that opens in Malaysia from Thursday (June 11).
First off, what makes the movie just a par above many others is that the director and producers took a brave step in having only five main characters and then adding another quick cameo throughout the movie. There are just none others. And it was left to the acting team to ensure this movie is worth the watch for more than two hours.
That they delivered and the two lead artistes, who are sisters in the movie, and they were at their element throughout, to say the least. And for Aghniny, who is a mute for almost 95 per cent of the movie, she was just par excellence.
Produced by Red Communications and Komet Productions, Khadam brings together a distinguished network of creative and industry partners across the region, including Magma Entertainment and VMS Studios (Indonesia), Sil Metropole Organisation Ltd. (Hong Kong), Applause Entertainment (India), alongside Primeworks Studios, which is also the marketing partner, Golden Screen Cinemas and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to elevating regional storytelling through ambitious productions rooted in local culture while appealing to broader international audiences.
The film is further elevated by a standout performance from Zarra Zhaff, the elder sister Karl' El in real life and the movie, whose emotionally nuanced portrayal plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative, showcasing her remarkable screen presence and reinforcing her status as a rising talent to watch.
Completing the cast is a special appearance by Jun Lojong as Nek Mak, bringing together experience, charisma, and a new generation of performers shaping the future of regional storytelling. Yes, the same Jun Lojong, who is giving everyone the goosebumps, in the current hit horror movie of the year, 'Polong',
For the record, Aghniny Haque is a well-followed artiste in Indonesia not only for her acting chops on screen, but also in real life. Before becoming an actress, this young lady was an accomplished taekwondo exponent, a champion in Indonesia who also won a bronze medal at the Myanmar Sea Games in 2013 and a silver medal at the 2014 Asian Championships in Tashkent.
A big leap to say the least, but she has been delivering the mighty hits and chops on the screen just like she did at the martial arts arena.
"It has been quite a ride. I'm thankful to all who have supported me in my career throughout, both the taekwondo arena and the acting world. I hope to continue to excel and give me my best at all times, that is my life motto, and I'm very blessed to have people who have faith in my abilities," said Aghniny.
"This is my first international assignment outside Indonesia, and I'm really hoping that I'm accepted well in the movie in the region."
"Working with Aghniny, was just a dream. We are of the same age, and it was just fun. The movie is a very heavy subject, but I really enjoyed working with Aghniny and also the crew that had a major star like Datuk Remy," said Siti Khadijah, who will also take the lead in the upcoming movie 'Munajat Kekasih'.
"I would be over the moon if I got a chance to act in a mystique-horror movie again. This is a fantastic experience for me, and another one would just be super amazing."
Early reactions from industry figures, members of the media, and guests following the screening were overwhelmingly positive. Many praised Khadam for its bold and sophisticated blend of horror, family drama and psychological storytelling, resulting in a narrative that feels both emotionally resonant and deeply unsettling.
The film's compelling screenplay, powerful performances, immersive sound design, and ability to sustain tension without relying on conventional horror tropes were frequently cited as among its greatest strengths. In fact, it had already captured much attention through its teaser, official poster, trailer, and haunting theme song over the past few weeks.
Opening in more than 120 cinemas across Malaysia from 11 June, Khadam presents a distinctive take on horror, drawing from one of the deepest fears embedded within Malay culture: the burden of an inheritance that cannot be refused, loyalty pushed to its limits, and the devastating consequences of choosing to align oneself with evil.
Set in the 1950s, Khadam follows Melor, a mother desperately trying to protect her family from ‘saka’ that has been passed down through generations. Yet the harder she fights to keep her family together, the greater the sacrifice demanded of her. Slowly, Melor finds herself losing not only control of her life but potentially everything she holds dear.
According to director Shamyl Othman, the film was born from a desire to explore a form of horror that feels deeply personal to the Malay experience.
“In Malay culture, there are two forms of inheritance. One is tangible, what we know as family heirlooms or legacy. The other is intangible, the inheritance of a saka, a spiritual entity passed down through generations, believed to safeguard and assist those entrusted with it. A saka cannot simply be rejected. We either accept it and become its master or risk allowing it to destroy our family.
"And when faith begins to weaken, a person can become so consumed by its whispers that they cease to be its master and become its servant instead,” explained Shamyl.
He added that the true horror of Khadam does not stem from the entity itself, but from the consequences that unfold when people willingly enter into a relationship with darkness.
Beyond its supernatural elements, Khadam explores themes of family, generational trauma, responsibility and sacrifice, inviting audiences to confront a question that lingers long after the credits roll: how far would you go to protect your family?
The emotional depth of the film is further strengthened by a screenplay written by Fariza Azlina Isahak, who crafts tension through silence, emotional restraint, and internal conflict, elements rarely explored in contemporary horror cinema.
By making Melor a protagonist who has lost her voice, both literally and symbolically, the film allows visual storytelling and emotional nuance to carry the weight of her suffering, resilience, and journey as a mother.
For Executive Producer Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, 'Khadam' was developed with a clear ambition from the very beginning to create a Malaysian film capable of standing alongside regional and international productions in terms of craftsmanship and quality, while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural identity.
“Quality has been our priority throughout every stage of Khadam's development. From the screenplay and directing to production design, music, post-production, and casting, every decision was made with great care to ensure the final result met the standards we set from day one. We wanted to create a film that not only entertains but leaves a lasting impact on audiences while demonstrating that local stories can be presented at the highest level,” said Datuk Ahmad Izham.
"The collaboration of partners in this movie reflects a shared commitment to elevating regional storytelling through ambitious productions rooted in local culture while appealing to broader international audiences."
Rooted in the rich traditions and beliefs of Malay culture while crafted to international production standards, Khadam is, in 2026, one of the most anticipated Malaysian films of the year. More than that, it reflects the growing confidence, ambition, and creative maturity of Malaysia's film industry, one that continues to evolve while telling stories that resonate far beyond its borders. (Watch the official trailer here: https://youtu.be/4PycNrbjKcY)
