NEW horror-comedy 'Saka Perawan' intends to entertain the masses as well as provide moviegoers with some food for thought from a sprinkling of social commentary inserted in the Dr Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri-directed film.
The filmmaker, who also served as scriptwriter and producer, is no stranger to the horror-comedy genre having helmed the likes of 'Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak'.
"The horror-comedy genre is my favourite genre. But 'Saka Perawan' was mainly me challenging myself since I had never done a story with a social or community concept.
"I had already been discussing with the production team before to come up with something like this, so I eventually decided to challenge myself.
"So that's the uniqueness of this particular film," said the filmmaker when met after the gala screening of the movie at GSC The Starling Mall in Petaling Jaya recently.
Produced by Grand Brilliance in collaboration with Primeworks Studios (PWS), 'Saka Perawan' opens in cinemas nationwide today.
Touching on matters close to current society, Idham said he also had to ensure that the movie had a commercial edge to it to attract audiences.
"Of course, I will leave it to the audience to judge this latest work," said Idham, who hopes to have another success after the release of his previous horror effort, 'Anak Perjanjian Syaitan 2', earlier this year.
'Saka Perawan' stars Sophia Albarakbah, Isyariana Che Azmi and Nelissa Nidzam as three sisters who have to contend with a dark family secret.
"I prepared the film's script in June last year and began filming in November. My concern was whether it would be relevant during its release.
"Fortunately, I think this film will continue to be relevant as time goes by. Plus, it's good wholesome entertainment for the whole family."
With 'Saka Perawan', Idham chose to combine the talents of comedians, new actors and legendary stars to create a compelling narrative onscreen.
"It's a win-win approach to feature a line of new actors that are known as commercial faces with a set of legendary stars.
"So we're highlighting new talent, and we also give space to more experienced actors, which also helps to balance the dynamic of the characters in this film.
"Indirectly, this brought out the funny side of each actor without them realising it. The cast was very professional and had amazing compatibility during the filming session."
'Saka Perawan' also features Azlee and Yassin from the comedy group Senario, Datuk Fauziah Nawi, Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof, Wilma Muhammad and Abdul Rahman Kasim, also known as Man Raja Lawak.
The rest of the cast includes Mohamad Ikhtiarudin Naina Mohamad (Mamak Puteh), Sharif Kunal Doli Sharif (Atu Zero), Afieq Shazwan, Noraini 'Anne' Abdullah and Zalif Sidek.
'Saka Perawan' tells the story of three sisters whose grandmother suffers from a mysterious illness.
Every time after maghrib, the 80-year-old woman's health would deteriorate, only to return to normal come 5am.
After almost a month of this affliction, medical doctors still have no answer or cure for her condition.
Eventually, it is discovered that due to past actions, a 'saka' (an inherited paranormal entity) that was in the family has to be passed on to her granddaughters for her to have a peaceful passing.
Along the way, more skeletons in the closet are revealed in the village where the old lady lives, which leads to paranormal consequences that have to be dealt with once and for all.