KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9: Producer Kalyana Devan described the international recognition of his film as Best International Film at the International Film Festival of Australia (IFFA) 2025 held in Melbourne on June 6th as a great honour and a testament to the hard work of the entire production team.
The film also earned veteran actor Datuk Rosyam Nor the Best Supporting Actor award.
Kalyana however acknowledged that the success also comes with new expectations for local filmmakers to further elevate the quality of their work.
“After this win, many are hoping we continue to progress and explore new ideas. It is time for more Malaysian films to break into the global market, especially in high-demand genres like action and horror that international audiences are now paying attention to,” he added.
Directed by Kroll Azry, the 2025 film features renowned actor Aaron Aziz in the leading role, supported by an impressive cast including Datuk Rosyam Nor, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Fadhli Masoot and Abi Madyan.
The highly anticipated production is the official Malaysian remake of the 2019 Tamil blockbuster Kaithi, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures and Number Twenty One Media, Banduan is positioned as one of the country’s major cinematic offerings for 2025, bolstered by strong performances and a gripping storyline adapted for Malaysian audiences.
The film is currently performing strongly at local cinemas since 6 November, having surpassed RM8 million at the box office.
Banduan, which unfolds almost entirely over the course of a single night, follows a recently released ex-convict who drives a group of poisoned police officers to a hospital while evading criminals, all in exchange for a chance to meet his daughter.
The film received three IFFA nominations, including Best Actor for its lead, Datuk Aaron Aziz.
–WE