2 Aug - The original "Rahsia" film created a phenomenon back in 1987, with its mystery thriller storyline when it became the first local horror film to be crowned the Best Film at the 7th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM7), bagging seven awards in other categories, including Best Director. From the producer of box-office hits "Dukun" and "Pusaka", Astro Shaw, and Five Star Trading, now comes "Rahsia" (2023) - a reboot of the cult classic that will be released in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei starting this 10 August.
With the tagline 'Dia Takkan Pergi' (It Will Not Leave), this reboot is directed by Shamyl Othman, who takes on the mantle to recreate a masterpiece that is near and dear to him as he is the son to the director of the original film, Othman Hafsham. Producer and Writer for "Rahsia", Alfie Palermo said, "For the reboot, we've expanded from the original storyline while staying true to the theme and visual language of the original cult classic. It has also been updated to bring a breath of fresh air for both fans of the original as well as a new generation of viewers. While adopting the latest technologies in the creation of this reboot, we retained the use of practical effects used in the 1987 original."
Executive Producer for Rahsia and Vice President, Malay Nusantara Business & Head of Astro Shaw, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said that "Rahsia" was chosen for the reboot because it is a masterpiece and a cult classic, with a storyline that remains relevant today. "Besides an interesting storyline, the reboot for Rahsia must find its balance between honouring the original film and presenting a fresh take that is relevant for current audiences," she added. At the Gala Night and premiere screening of the film at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, last night, director Shamyl Othman said that he is grateful and relieved to receive praise from his father, Othman Hafsham - the director of the original 1987 film. "I feel nervous and relieved because we have presented a fresh storyline, and at the same time not alienate from the original film." "I had dreamt to direct a 'remake' or 'reboot' of a film directed by my father. After receiving the offer to direct "Rahsia", I was grateful to receive my father's blessing and approval. This movie inspired me because it was my father's first horror movie, because he was then known as a director of comedy movies. What is important to me is how we want to reproduce the classic film and create something else, using the original film as inspiration," he said. The official soundtrack for Rahsia, "Alunan Lara", is written, composed and performed by Njwa.
Also present to liven up the gala night of the premiere were the original cast of the 1987 film, namely Noorkumalasari and Datuk Yusof Haslam, as well as director Othman Hafsham. The reboot of "Rahsia" features main actors Nabila Huda and Fikry Ibrahim who play the roles of Ramlah and Hamdan - originally played by Noorkumalasari and Shukery Hashim. They are supported by a stellar cast line-up that include Eman Manan, Marsha Milan, Rashidi Ishak, Qistina Raisah, Syed Ali Murtadha, Mislina Mustaffa, Aloy Paradoks and Nabil Zakaria, in addition to special appearances by Othman Hafsham and Susan Lankester. "Rahsia" will haunt cinemas in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei from 10 August 2023. Fans and audiences can be among the earliest to catch the film through the Sneak Preview on 9 August, 8pm onwards.