Zul Ariffin dives into Malay folklore, unleashing fanged king in ‘Baling’
Veteran Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin as Yong, also known as Raja Bersiong, in the upcoming film ‘Baling’. — Picture courtesy of Astro Shaw
Summary
- Veteran Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin stars in "Baling," an upcoming action-horror thriller under the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe, directed by Anwari Ashraf.
- The film, inspired by Malay folklore about Raja Bersiong, explores a centuries-old ruler's journey towards redemption. "Baling" aligns with ASCU's growing popularity by contributing to its shared universe, which has seen substantial engagement, including over 23 million views across related videos.
- Astro Shaw emphasizes the film's potential to enrich this expanding world with its intricate characters and compelling narrative.
First Published: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 12:10 PM MYT
Last Modified: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 12:10 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Veteran Malaysian actor Zul Ariffin has stepped into the world of Malay folklore as the lead star of Baling, the latest upcoming film under the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU) banner.
The ASCU is a shared fictional universe connecting characters and stories from Astro Shaw’s local films and television series.
Directed by Anwari Ashraf, whose previous work includes the Projek: High Council series and the Keluang Man film, Baling is set to be an action-horror thriller inspired by Raja Bersiong, the mythical ruler known as the fanged king.
The character originated in Malay folklore and literature, including Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, which tells of a tyrannical ruler associated with the ancient kingdom of Kedah.
Drawing on the tale, the film follows Yong, also known as Raja Bersiong, who has lived for centuries and must confront a past that continues to haunt him.
As he comes to terms with his history, Yong embarks on a journey towards redemption, facing challenges that test not only his strength but also his humanity.
Astro Shaw announced Zul’s casting last night, with filming currently underway in Baling, Kedah.
Behind the scenes, the film brings together a team of industry talents, including cinematographer Nicholas Chin (Blood Brothers), producer Awan Kiko (Libang Libu), editor Irwan Ahmad (Projek: High Council) and production designer Rabbani Sujak (Malam Terlarang).
- Source Material: Based on the traditional Kedah legend and epic literature Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa about a tyrannical, blood-drinking king with fangs. [1, 2]
- Production: Produced by Malay Film Productions and distributed by Shaw Brothers in Singapore. [1]
- Directors: Co-directed by Jamil Sulong and Japanese director Tokujiro Yamazaki. [1, 2]
- Cast: Starred Ahmad Mahmud as Raja Ong (Raja Bersiong), Sarimah as Permaisuri, and Aziz Jaafar. [1]
- Budget & Reception: Cost a massive RM 750,000 to make as the first Malay film in CinemaScope color, utilizing international crew members, Thai dancers, and military extras, though it turned out to be a box-office flop. [1, 2]
Synopsis (Raja Bersiong 1963)
A King and his troops came across a town called Kampung Gading. There, they meet a strong but mute and deaf man named Badang, who is the personal servant of a young woman named Chomel. The King pretended to be a normal guard as part of a plan to lure Badang to become his personal protector and Chomel to become his wife. His plan worked and he married Chomel and Badang left to work for him.
Some time later, the king's appetite changed. At dinner one night, he commends the cook for the delicious dish and asked what the main ingredient was. The cook was forced to reveal that the unusual taste was due to his (the cook's) own blood, which had dropped into the dish when his hand was bleeding. The king deduced that the blood was the ingredient to make all his food delicious and commanded that all his food be cooked in human blood from then on. His taste for blood grew so intense that over time he grew fangs and began attacking his own people to feast on them. When people began dying to satisfy the King's thirst for blood, his subjects revolted and the King was killed by them.
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