Produced in association with Etika Sdn Bhd through its brands 7UP and Mirinda, as well as Enotech Pictures and Icon Pictures, the film aims to spark reflection on the values that shape how Malaysians live, work and relate to one another.
Directed by Ezrie Gazali, known for “Abah Saya Uncle Mike”, the film is written by Alfie Palermo, creator of the premium series “One Cent Thief”. The project originated from a story concept by Santharuban Thurai Sundaram.
The cast features Syafiq Kyle, Beto Kusyairy, Kodi Rasheed, Mimi Lana, Fadhli Masoot, Aziz M. Osman, Radhi Khalid, Rubini Sambanthan, El Umar Mokhtar and Fizz Fairuz. It also marks the first time Syafiq and Beto share the screen.
Currently filming across the Klang Valley, including public markets and residential areas, the production is targeting a nationwide cinema release later this year.
Astro Shaw head and executive producer Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said the company remains committed to producing stories that reflect contemporary Malaysian realities.
She described HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk as a bold project rooted in current economic challenges and the gradual erosion of certain community rights due to systemic pressures and external influences.
“We believe stories like this deserve to be explored with depth and nuance, offering an honest portrayal while challenging audiences to see issues from multiple perspectives,” she said.
Raja Jastina added that Astro Shaw was pleased to continue its collaboration with 7UP and Mirinda following the success of Abah Saya Uncle Mike, noting that the brands’ familiarity in everyday Malaysian life helps bring important social conversations closer to the public.
Etika vice-president of marketing Amy Gan, who also serves as executive producer, said the company sees storytelling as a platform for meaningful conversations beyond entertainment.
She said HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk addresses issues surrounding work, dignity, ownership and belonging while encouraging empathy and reflection.
“For us, the conversation around rights goes beyond rights alone. It is also about responsibility,” she said, adding that the film invites Malaysians to reflect on the value placed on honest work and why certain spaces in society may have been left vacant before questioning why they are changing hands.
The story follows Hakim, played by Syafiq Kyle, an operations officer at a public market struggling to secure money before the birth of his first child. His desperation leads him into exploiting foreign workers around him.
Things take a dangerous turn when he discovers a bag of cash, drawing the attention of ruthless individuals determined to reclaim it and placing his family in jeopardy.