Munafik
A Malaysian horror film about faith, loss, and demonic possession.
Joe Asri · CC BY-SA 4.0
Munafik (Hypocrite in English) is a 2016 Malaysian supernatural horror film in the Malay language. Syamsul Yusof directed the movie, which marked his tenth directorial effort and his second horror film, following *Khurafat* (2011). It also launched a planned trilogy. Syamsul stars alongside Fizz Fairuz, Pekin Ibrahim, and Nabila Huda. The story follows Adam, a Muslim medical practitioner who has stopped working and cannot come to terms with his wife’s death. After he encounters a woman named Maria, strange and disturbing events begin to unfold.
The film premiered in Malaysia on February 25, 2016, and in Indonesia on July 7, 2016. Critics gave it positive reviews, and it earned RM17.04 million nationwide, making it the highest-grossing Malaysian film of 2016. At the 2016 Malaysian Film Festival, it received nine nominations and won five awards, including Best National Language Film and Best Director. A sequel, *Munafik 2*, followed on August 30, 2018.
The plot centers on Adam, a traditional religious healer whose wife died in an accident. Struggling with grief, his faith wavers, and he stops treating others, feeling unfit for his work. He later meets Maria, who suffers from depression. When an evil spirit possesses her, Adam feels compelled to help. As he attempts an exorcism, he uncovers connections between Maria and the accident that killed his wife. With a friend’s aid, Adam tries to cure Maria at her home, but the spirit proves too strong; his friend stops reciting prayers and is thrown against a wall. Adam continues praying and eventually drives the spirit from Maria.
Still unable to accept his wife’s death, Adam demands to know who caused the accident. Soon, Imam Ali is found dead. Adam’s friend informs him, and Adam is shocked. His son then calls to say his grandfather has left the house, adding that his mother cared for him after Adam went out. Enraged that his wife is mentioned again, Adam yells at his son and hangs up. Later, he dreams of digging up his wife’s grave to prove to his son that she is dead.
Adam insists to his friend Azman that the village’s strange events—including Imam Ali’s death and Pak Osman’s disappearance—are linked to Maria’s demonic disturbances. At home, he faces hostility from Fazli. Then Zati calls to say Pak Osman has been found. At Maria’s house, Zati and Maria claim to know who is behind the disturbances.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Syamsul Yusof
- Producer
- Datuk Yusof Haslam
- Starring
- Syamsul Yusof / Nabila Huda / Fizz Fairuz / Sabrina Ali / Pekin Ibrahim / A. Galak / Rahim Razali
- Cinematography
- Rahimi Mahidin
- Studio
- Skop Productions
- Distributor
- Skop Productions (Malaysia) / MD Pictures (Indonesia)
- Released
- 25 February 2016 · Malaysia · 2016 · 07 · 07 · Indonesia
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Country
- Malaysia
- Language
- Malay
- Budget
- RM 2 million
- Gross
- RM 19 / million
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Munafik was directed by Syamsul Yusof, who previously directed Evolusi KL Drift (2008), Khurafat: Perjanjian Syaitan and Aku Bukan Tomboy (2011). It was his tenth film and second horror film, following his 2013 film, KL Gangster 2, which was leaked on the internet prior to its theatrical release. According to Syamsul, he took two months to write the script and conducted five months of research, including attending sermons from religious experts. He also took appropriate precaution on the usage of holy Koran verses in order to fight the unnatural forces causing the disturbances.
Reader's Guide
Munafik was released in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei cinemas on 25 February 2016 to commercial and critical success. It received positive reviews from film critics and has grossed RM17.04 million nationwide, making Munafik the best-selling Malaysian film of 2016. The film garnered nine nominations at the 2016 Malaysian Film Festival and won five, including Best National Language Film and Best Director. Its sequel, Munafik 2, was released on August 30, 2018. The film also successfully collected RM2 million in Singapore. Critical response was mixed; some reviewers praised its atmosphere and use of sharia ideology, while others noted it did not rely solely on jump scares.
Did You Know?
- The film was the first in a planned Munafik trilogy.
- Principal photography took more than 45 days, from March 12 to April 25, 2015.
- During Indonesian screenings, some audience members claimed the spell used in the film was real, but Syamsul denied this.
- The film grossed RM17.04 million in Malaysia, making it the best-selling Malaysian film of 2016.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Munafik and what does the title mean?
Munafik is a 2016 Malaysian supernatural horror film in the Malay language, directed by Syamsul Yusof. The title translates to "Hypocrite" in English, and the story weaves together themes of faith, grief, and demonic possession.
Who directed Munafik and how does it fit into his career?
Syamsul Yusof wrote and directed the film, marking his tenth feature overall and his second foray into horror after Khurafat (2011). It was also positioned as the opening entry in a planned trilogy.
What is the plot of Munafik?
The film follows Adam, a Muslim medical practitioner who has quit his practice and is struggling to process his wife's death. After he crosses paths with a woman named Maria, a series of increasingly disturbing supernatural events begins to unravel his life.
How did Munafik perform commercially?
The movie grossed RM17.04 million at the Malaysian box office, a strong figure for a locally produced horror title. It also found an audience in Indonesia, where it opened on July 7, 2016.
Who are the main cast members in Munafik?
Syamsul Yusof himself takes a leading role, joined by Fizz Fairuz, Pekin Ibrahim, and Nabila Huda. The film had its Malaysian premiere on February 25, 2016.
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