Cult Thai director Eakasit Thairaat brings ancient forest terror to Malaysian cinemas

Writer: Ann Tan

Deep in Thailand's Hala-Bala Forest, ancient demons await

4 Jun - "Halabala", the upcoming Thai survival horror, marks a new chapter for one of Thailand's most distinctive creative voices. Directed by Eakasit Thairaat - a cult figure in Thai indie comics and screenwriting - the film opens in cinemas across Malaysia and Brunei on 26 June 2025.

Eakasit first made his mark in the 1990s with underground comic titles like "My Mania", known for their bold art style and disturbing narratives. His screenwriting debut, "13: Game of Death" (2006), quickly became a fan favorite and later inspired the Hollywood remake "13 Sins" (2014).

With "Halabala", he returns to the director's chair to shape a horror experience that leans into what he does best: mood, tension, and unsettling storytelling.

Filmmaker Eakasit Thairaat brings a bold and distinctive vision to "Halabala" - a tense and atmospheric horror inspired by tribal folklore and filmed deep in the Hala-Bala rainforest

Inspired by the oral accounts of the Batow tribe, believed to have lived in the Hala-Bala rainforest and nicknamed Ngor-Hang, or "tailed tribespeople", "Halabala" draws from stories of a cannibalistic tribe with semi-animal features - an average height of 170cm, macaque monkey-like faces, reddish-black skin, curly hair, and a tail. These myths, passed down by villagers near the Golok River, ground the film in the region's history and fear.

Eakasit designed the Bataya Demon by merging folklore with horror aesthetics. The creature features elongated limbs, layered shark-like teeth, with its symbolic tail. Its look draws influence from 1980s horror classics and cultural artefacts such as the Kala face, a Hindu symbol of devouring time and destruction - resulting in a monster that feels both ancient and disturbingly believable.

Filmed deep in the Hala-Bala Forest, the film trades CGI ghosts for practical effects, immersive soundscapes, and a slow-building atmosphere with jump scares that grips audiences with every turn. The forest doesn't just serve as a backdrop; it becomes a character. Sound and silence play just as important a role as what can be seen, delivering a horror experience made for the big screen.

Chantavit "Ter" Dhanasevi stars as reckless cop Inspector Dan

Eakasit combines chilling storytelling with crowd pleasing thrills. It pulls viewers in but doesn't hold back on the scares. It's unpredictable, visceral, and not for the faint of heart. For those who love horror that gets under the skin, "Halabala" is one to watch - just not alone.

Following its release in Thailand, the film ranked among the Top 5 highest-grossing Thai opening day releases of 2025 (as of 26 April) and generated buzz for its bold visuals and fresh approach to the horror genre.

Presented by Abnormal Studios, don't miss "Halabala" which is set to premiere in cinemas across Malaysia and Brunei on 26 June.

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