(REVIEW) TERBANG: A Thrilling Rally Racing Drama That Delivers Heart, Emotion & Malaysian Pride

Sports films often live and die by one question: do audiences need to care about the sport to enjoy the story? Thankfully, TERBANG answers that emphatically with a no.

While Astro Shaw's latest film is built around the world of rally racing and inspired by Malaysian rally legend Karamjit Singh, the racing is ultimately just the vehicle for a much more universal story about redemption, teamwork, friendship, sacrifice, and second chances. Even viewers who know little, or absolutely nothing, about rally racing will likely find themselves invested in the emotional journey unfolding on screen.

That's perhaps TERBANG's greatest strength. It never feels like a movie made exclusively for motorsport fans. Instead, it uses rally racing as the backdrop for a relatable story about people trying to overcome their personal struggles while pursuing a shared dream.

More than just about racing

The film follows Ajeet, a former rally racer who is pulled back into the sport after years away from the driver's seat. Teaming up with the talented but hot-headed Kitt, he finds himself confronting old wounds, lingering guilt, fierce competition, and the pressure of representing something bigger than himself.

What makes TERBANG work so well is how naturally it balances these emotional beats with its action sequences. Here, director Chiu Keng Guan manages to strike a sweet spot between the two.

The racing sequences provide excitement and momentum, but it's the relationships between the characters that keep audiences engaged. Every victory feels rewarding because we've spent enough time understanding what is at stake emotionally.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Rally racing remains a relatively unexplored sport in Malaysian cinema, and TERBANG does an admirable job of introducing newcomers to its world. The film explains just enough about the sport without overwhelming audiences with technical details. Instead of expecting viewers to understand rally terminology, it focuses on the intensity, pressure, and teamwork required to compete at the highest level.

As a result, you don't need to be a motorsport enthusiast to understand the stakes. Whether it's navigating dangerous terrain, making split-second decisions, or dealing with the psychological pressure before a race, the film makes sure that the emotions remain front and centre so that by the end, you may not know everything about rally racing, but you'll certainly understand why the people involved dedicate their lives to it.

Beyond the drama and action, TERBANG also succeeds in celebrating the achievements of Karamjit Singh, one of Malaysia's most successful motorsport figures.

Image Credit: Threads

Often referred to as the "Flying Sikh of Malaysia," Karamjit remains a pioneering figure in regional rally racing, and the film does a good job of capturing the spirit of determination and resilience that defined his career.

While TERBANG isn't a straightforward biographical film, audiences unfamiliar with his accomplishments will leave with a greater appreciation for both his legacy and Malaysia's achievements on the international motorsport stage.

Strong performances & stunning cinematography drive the story

A huge part of TERBANG's success comes from the performances of its three central leads. Irfan Zaini anchors the film as Ajeet, bringing a quiet emotional depth to a character burdened by guilt and unfinished business. As Kitt, Jack Tan injects youthful energy and intensity, creating a compelling contrast to Ajeet's more reserved approach. Their mentor-student dynamic forms the emotional backbone of the film, and both actors make their evolving relationship feel authentic.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Special mention should also go to Zizan Razak, whose role provides much of the film's comic relief. While the character follows a somewhat familiar formula, Zizan's natural charisma and comedic timing prevent him from becoming a cliché. Rather than feeling out of place, the humour serves as a welcome breather and adds another layer to the team's dynamic. It's a role that could have easily become distracting, but instead becomes one of the movie's more enjoyable elements.

The film is elevated further by its cinematography, which does an excellent job of capturing both the scale and intensity of rally racing. The camera throws audiences into the driver's seat, whether it's speeding through narrow roads, navigating rough terrain, or tackling sharp corners at breakneck speed. Combined with a powerful sound design that lets every engine rev, gear shift and gravel spray hit with impact, TERBANG becomes an incredibly immersive experience. There are moments during the racing sequences where you genuinely feel the tension and chaos unfolding inside the cockpit alongside the drivers.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

That immersive quality is also why the film feels perfectly suited for 4DX. Given how much emphasis is placed on movement, speed and sensory detail, the added motion effects, wind and environmental elements could make the rally scenes even more exhilarating, turning what is already one of the film's strongest aspects into a full-blown cinematic thrill ride. It's the kind of film that leaves you wondering whether you should book a second viewing in 4DX, simply to experience those intense rally sequences with an added layer of realism and excitement.

Our verdict

We walked into TERBANG expecting a fairly straightforward sports drama, one packed with thrilling rally races, underdog victories and crowd-pleasing action. While the film certainly delivers on those fronts, what surprised us most was just how emotionally invested we became in the characters and their journey.

At its heart, TERBANG isn't really about racing. It's about overcoming regrets, finding the strength to move forward, and learning that success is rarely achieved alone. There were moments that genuinely tugged at the heartstrings, not only because of the characters' personal struggles but also because of what they represented. As the story unfolds, TERBANG becomes a celebration of Malaysian perseverance, ambition and unity, making some scenes unexpectedly emotional in a way that stirs both sadness and a sense of national pride.

Backed by strong performances, stunning cinematography, immersive sound design and a story that remains accessible even to viewers unfamiliar with motorsports, TERBANG proves that the most memorable sports films aren't really about the sport itself. Its greatest achievement lies in delivering a story that is exciting, emotional and unmistakably Malaysian.

TERBANG is premiering in cinemas nationwide on 17 September 2026. Watch the trailer below:

Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw