ABU SI RAKSASA ‘THE EPIC STORY OF THE GIANT SALAMANDER, MALAYSIA’S FIRST KAIJU FILM!’

 

In the local film industry, science fiction genre works are still rarely produced, unlike the horror, action and comedy genres that dominate cinema. However, production company M Toons Media Sdn. Bhd. took the approach by producing a science fiction film titled Abu Si Raksasa.

 

“The idea for this film arose from a discussion with Professor Dr. Hezri Adnan, an academic in the field of the environment. The discussion then became the inspiration for us to produce a science fiction script that raises environmental issues through this film,” said its producer, Zamin Fakry.

PRODUCER ABU SI RAKSASA ZAMIN FAKRY

 

Abu Si Raksasa tells the story of Zaara’s pet salamander lizard named Abu. Due to chemical contamination from ROXCCID toilet cleaner in a dam, Abu mutates and grows into a giant creature. In order to save Abu from the threat of the authorities led by Colonel Zamrose and Captain Fayyad, Zaara and her two friends, Sofiyan and Zidan, join forces in a challenging struggle.

ZAARA DAN SOFIYAN

According to Zamin, what is interesting about this film is that it is the first ‘Kaiju’ (RAKSASA) film produced in Malaysia. “Before this, there have been many genres such as horror, action and comedy that have been featured. So, we are trying to present something different through the film Abu Si Raksasa. The storyline has also been adapted to suit the society in this country and it is a film that is quite interesting to watch,” he explained. Directed by Ramdan Che Hassan, Abu Si Raksasa features a line-up of popular actors such as Sophia Al-Barakbah, Jaa Suzuran, Zalif Sidek, Afieq Shazwan, Azhar Sulaiman and Maria Farida. According to the producer, Zamin, approximately RM2 million has been allocated to realise the production of this film, including major investments in CGI and VFX aspects to ensure visual quality comparable to international productions.

The cast, director and producer of the film Abu Si Raksasa

 

“It can be said that it was a fairly limited budget, but the production has tried to do its best and we are grateful for receiving funds from the Ministry of Communications and Finance to make this film a success,” he said. Director and scriptwriter, Ramdhan, chose the salamander lizard as the mainstay of the story because of the uniqueness of the species which is amphibious, can grow to an extraordinary size and is not violent, thus feeling it is suitable to be used in the story of Abu Si Raksasa. He explained that this film will be filmed in September 2023 around the Klang Valley, including Tasik Tadom, Kajang, Banting and Sungai Buaya.

Around the Klang Valley, including Tadom Lake, Kajang, Banting and Sungai Buaya

 

Meanwhile, Ramdhan also admitted that producing the film Abu Si Raksasa also presented its own challenges for him. “The most important thing is that we need to do a lot of in-depth research before filming begins. “A strong imagination also plays a very important role, not to mention that it involves about 40 percent CGI,” he said. The film Abu Si Raksasa will meet audiences and begin screening in cinemas nationwide starting September 11, 2025.

Official Poster ABU SI RAKSASA

Abu Si Raksasa
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