After decades of nostalgia and years of anticipation, Keluang Man, Malaysia’s original animated superhero, has finally made his live-action debut in cinemas nationwide.
Released on May 29, the big-screen adaptation breathes new life into a local legend, blending action, humour and heartfelt storytelling in true Malaysian style.
Directed by Anwari Ashraf, the man behind Polis Evo and Project: High Council, Keluang Man is not just another superhero flick. It’s a tribute to Malaysian pop culture, a reinvention of an iconic character from the 1990s, and the start of the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU).
This film tells the story of Borhan, played by Nas Muammar Zar, better known as Nas-T, a psychiatric patient in Kluang who lives a double life as the mysterious vigilante Keluang Man.
Haunted by a voice in his head which is voiced by radio icon Halim Othman, Borhan finds himself pulled between delusions, memories and justice, especially when confronted with his estranged brother Shamsir, played by Datuk Remy Ishak.
The story unfolds with a quirky cast of characters including Shweta Sekhon as Dr Malini, Borhan’s psychiatrist, and Anwaar Beg Moghal as Inspector Sahab, her relentless brother who is hot on Keluang Man’s trail. Datuk Rosyam Nor rounds out the cast as Ahmad, Borhan’s aged but wise mentor.
Speaking at the movie's gala premiere, lead actor Nas-T admitted that stepping into Borhan’s complex world was both a challenge and a triumph.
“It’s all thanks to director Anwari Ashraf, who wrote and directed it, and I entrusted everything to him.
“He moulded my character, and I followed his direction faithfully,” he said.
In a particularly emotional twist, beloved radio host Halim returns not in body, but in voice.
Lending his 1990s-era persona to a voice inside Borhan’s head, Halim shared how surreal the experience was.
“Anwari told me about a superhero film with a character inspired by me, tied to the golden days of Roda Impian.
“I was touched by the director’s imagination in wanting to capture Malaysia’s memories from around 1998 to 2000,” Halim said.
For Halim in particular, Keluang Man is considered a generational bridge that would bring people together.
“This isn’t just a superhero film, it’s a creative journey connecting nostalgia with a new generation,” he said.
Shot in Kuala Lumpur, Kluang, Klang and Ipoh, Keluang Man took over two years to produce, with a reported budget of RM13 million.
It represents the first full-fledged live-action adaptation of a local animated icon, originally created by the late Kamn Ismail.
Director Anwari described the film as a love letter to fans and a vision of more local heroes to come.
“I hope audiences will embrace this film and help reignite the spirit of the superhero Keluang Man, so that his legacy can be passed down from one generation to the next,” he said. – Sinar Daily
