ARTICLE
Director M. Raihan Halim Reunites With Shaheizy Sam and Wan Hanafi Su in BADAK
By Riin / 22 Jul 2025 (Tuesday)
Building on the success of his previous work, La Luna – Singapore’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, acclaimed filmmaker M. Raihan Halim brings us BADAK – a deeply moving and visually arresting feature film that delves into the soul of familial bonds, the transformative power of music, and the quiet heroism of unspoken love.
BADAK brings Director M. Raihan Halim, Shaheizy Sam, and Wan Hanafi Su back together, their first collaboration since they shot La Luna two years ago.
The heart of BADAK beats with its stellar cast, delivering performances that deeply resonate with its emotional narrative. Shaheizy Sam (La Luna, Polis Evo) takes on the truly transformative role of Badak, a working-class father weighed down by unspoken responsibilities. While Wan Hanafi Su (La Luna, Apprentice), plays Abah, a hearing father who has struggled to communicate with his deaf son his whole life.
From left: Wan Hanafi Su, Shaheizy Sam
Director M. Raihan Halim expressed immense confidence in his lead, stating, "I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that there’s only one person who has the discipline and dedication to play Badak. That man is Shaheizy Sam. We both had so much fun working on La Luna that I knew I wanted to continue our collaboration with something far more challenging—and yes—scary! Badak has been a truly emotional journey for me and I am so happy to not just have Sam but the amazing Aida, awesome Kahoe and the one and only Ayah Wan with me along for the ride."
Shaheizy Sam’s transformation for BADAK
Shaheizy Sam’s remarkable physical transformation for BADAK for the role demonstrates his dedication. He gained an astounding 30kg over five months, adhering to a strict diet of high sugar, high fat, and junk food. The production then waited six months, allowing him to shed all the weight and portray his character in a skinnier form for later scenes. “It truly makes me happy to portray two distinct physical forms in one film for the first time,” says Shaheizy Sam. “I believe this will distract viewers from the ‘usual me’, making the character feel new, and it has significantly boosted my confidence, proving my passion for acting is still strong after 30 years.”
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From left: Aida Amron, Kahoe Hon
Adding to the cast are Aida Amron (Doh) who plays Mirah, the vibrant daughter whose newfound fame challenges the foundations of their bond. Also starring is Kahoe Hon (Project: High Council) playing Jay, the resident DJ in the underground hip-hop scene.
The film follows the emotional journey of Badak, a deaf single father whose life revolves around his daughter Mirah, who, he raises with care, warmth, and quiet dignity. Their world is small but filled with meaning, a space where communication is shaped through gestures, expressions and unconditional love. But when Mirah becomes an overnight hip-hop sensation, their once tranquil routine is upended. As their worlds collide, one rooted in silence and the other in sound, Badak must reconcile the growing distance between them, not just in sound, but in spirit.
Director M. Raihan Halim weaves a compelling narrative rich with compassion,uxtaposing the quiet resilience of a hearing-impaired father with the bold, expressive world of hip-hop. With its emotionally layered storytelling, BADAK promises a stirring and thought-provoking cinematic experience that honours the strength of family, the pursuit of dreams, and how love, in its truest form, transcends every barrier, speaking a universal language that resonates far beyond sound.
BADAK is Co-Distributed by Clover Films and Golden Village Pictures in Singapore, and will premiere on 16 October 2025.
Badak Teaser Trailer is viewable here: