‘Kata Hati’ A Modern Malaysian Romantic Comedy About Love, Image, and the Cost of Being Seen

 

 

In a cinematic landscape currently dominated by action and horror, Kata Hati arrives as a refreshing return to romance – a modern love story that blends humour, vulnerability, and emotional truth. Directed by Nadiah Hamzah and produced by Wayangworks Sdn. Bhd. and Filmscape Sdn. Bhd. , the film explores the tension between public image and private identity, set against the backdrop of Malaysia’s contemporary celebrity culture.

 

At its heart, Kata Hati follows an unexpected connection between a rising actress and an e-hailing driver – a relationship that begins as circumstance, but slowly evolves into something more intimate and real. Producer Muhammad Bahir shares that the film was inspired by firsthand encounters within the industry:

 

“We’ve always been fascinated by the contrast between who people appear to be on screen and who they are in real life. Kata Hati is our way of exploring that space, and the world behind the glamour through a story that is both entertaining and emotionally grounded.”

 

 

The film stars Nia Atasha, Yusof Hashim, and Fazziq Muqris in leading roles, alongside Scha Alyahya, Taqim Zak and Norreen Iman. It also features special cameo appearances by Beto Kusyairy, Nabila Huda, Liyana Jasmay, Nina Kho, and Shweta Sekhon.

 

Executive Producer Juliana Foo describes Kata Hati as a timely addition to the current film landscape: “Audiences have been immersed in high-intensity genres for a while now. We felt there was space and a need for a story that brings people back to something softer, more human. Kata Hati is a modern fairy tale, but one grounded in emotional reality.”

 

CAST FOR KATA HATI

 

Nadiah Hamzah selaku pengarah menjelaskan antara tarikan pada naskhah terbaharu itu adalah ia menjanjikan pelbagai rencah dan rasa, lalu disatukan dalam sebuah penceritaan yang cukup menarik dan unik. Ujarnya, setelah menghasilkan filem yang agak berat iaitu Motif sebelum ini, dia memang berniat untuk mengarahkan sebuah filem cinta ringan yang boleh membuatkan penonton bergelak ketawa sambal menangis di pawagam.

 

For director Nadiah Hamzah, the film marks a deliberate tonal shift from her previous work: “After Motif, I wanted to tell a story that feels lighter on the surface, but still carries emotional weight. A film that allows audiences to laugh, but also recognise themselves in the quiet moments.” She adds, “What drew me most to this project was the idea of love existing in a world that is constantly watching, where vulnerability becomes both a risk and a necessity.”

 

 

 

 

Filming took place in Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan in August 2025.

 

Kata Hati will be released in cinemas nationwide on 4 June 2026. For more information, visit: filemkatahati.my

 

SINOPIS
Ayra Natasha (Nia Atasha) is a rising actress on the brink of major stardom, propelled further into the spotlight by her role in a large-scale action film alongside her boyfriend, Zayn Mikhail (Fazziq Muqris). But when a humiliating incident at a prestigious awards nomination night goes viral, her carefully constructed image begins to fracture.

In the aftermath, she crosses paths with Imran Firdaus (Yusof Hashim), an e-hailing driver who exists entirely outside the noise of celebrity culture.
When Ayra’s sister and manager, Maya (Scha Alyahya), proposes an arrangement that brings Imran into Ayra’s daily life, what begins as a strategic decision slowly transforms into something neither of them can fully control.

 

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