Zul Ariffin dives into Malay folklore, unleashing fanged king in ‘Baling’

Veteran Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin has taken on the role of Raja Bersiong, the fanged king of Malay folklore, in the upcoming action-horror film Baling. Baling is the latest addition to the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU), a shared fictional world that connects various Astro Shaw films and TV series. Directed by Anwari Ashraf, the film is set to delve into the story of Yong, also known as Raja Bersiong, a centuries-old ruler haunted by his past.

In Malay mythology, Raja Bersiong is a tyrannical character associated with the ancient Kedah kingdom. The film's plot revolves around Yong's struggle to confront his history and seek redemption as he wrestles with his centuries-long existence. Astro Shaw Studios, the production company behind Baling, has assembled a talented team for the project, including cinematographer Nicholas Chin (known for Blood Brothers), producer Awan Kiko (Libang Libu), editor Irwan Ahmad (Projek: High Council), and production designer Rabbani Sujak (Malam Terlarang).

The film's promotion has been generating significant buzz, with Kudrat 1968, another ASCU production, already drawing 630 million views across social media. Videos related to the ASCU universe have amassed over 23 million views, indicating a strong level of audience engagement. Astro Shaw Studios' head, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, expressed excitement over the growing fan interest and the potential for fans to uncover clues and connections within the interconnected ASCU stories.

The legend of Raja Bersiong provides ample material for the film, as the centuries-long existence of the character offers a wealth of backstory and complexity. With Baling, Astro Shaw Studios aims to bring action, suspense, and horror to this rich folklore tale, featuring Zul Ariffin and the seasoned Anwari Ashraf. As of now, a release date for Baling has not been announced.