Set in 1950s Malaya, the horror drama centres on Melor, a mother desperately trying to protect her family from a saka, a supernatural entity passed down through generations. When she inherits the burden of the family’s dark legacy, Melor finds herself caught between duty and survival as the consequences of confronting the unseen force begin to unravel her carefully ordered life.
An unexpected inheritance from her late brother sets events into motion, forcing Melor to confront long-suppressed fears and sacrifices. As she struggles to shield her loved ones from the saka, the cost of resistance grows increasingly severe, threatening not only her sense of self but also everything she holds dear.
Director Shamyl Othman said the film was inspired by a uniquely Malay understanding of inheritance, where family legacies extend beyond material possessions.
“In Malay culture, there are two forms of inheritance. One is tangible, such as property or heirlooms, while the other is spiritual, the saka, an entity believed to be passed down through generations and tied to its owner’s family,” he explained.
According to Shamyl, the true horror of Khadam does not stem from the supernatural entity itself but from the consequences of choosing to embrace or coexist with evil.
Beyond its horror elements, the film also explores themes of family, generational trauma, responsibility and sacrifice. At its core, Khadam asks a simple but unsettling question: how far would someone go to protect the people they love?
The screenplay, written by Fariza Azlina Isahak, builds tension through emotional conflict and psychological unease rather than relying solely on conventional horror tropes. Melor’s character is portrayed as a woman who gradually loses her voice, both literally and symbolically, allowing visual storytelling and emotional performance to carry much of the narrative weight.
Executive producer Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar said the project was developed with the intention of creating a Malaysian film capable of standing alongside regional and international productions while remaining firmly rooted in local culture.
Produced by Red Communications and Komet Productions, Khadam brings together collaborators from across the region, including Indonesia’s Magma Entertainment and VMS Studios, Hong Kong’s Sil Metropole Organisation Ltd., India’s Applause Entertainment, as well as Primeworks Studios and Golden Screen Cinemas in Malaysia, with support from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia.
Leading the cast is Indonesian actress Aghniny Haque, who makes her Malaysian film debut as Melor alongside Remy Ishak as Awang. The film also stars Siti Khadijah Halim, newcomer Karl’ El and Zarra Zhaff, with a special appearance by Jun Lojong as Nek Mak.
The gala premiere sought to immerse guests in the film’s unsettling atmosphere through soundscapes featuring rain, thunder and layered audio effects. Singer Ernie Zakri also performed the film’s official theme song Tak Berlagu before the screening.
Early reactions from industry guests and members of the media were largely positive, with praise directed at the film’s blend of horror, psychological tension and family drama. Its performances, sound design and restrained approach to building suspense were frequently highlighted as strengths.
With its focus on Malay folklore, family conflict and the emotional weight of inherited burdens, Khadam arrives as one of the more anticipated local horror releases of the year. The film opens in more than 120 cinemas nationwide on June 11, with plans for subsequent releases in regional markets including Singapore and Indonesia.
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