ENTERTAINMENT
(REVIEW) Why the New Keluang Man Movie Is the Superhero Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed
When Keluang Man first aired in the late 1990s, it was a quirky, animated cult hit that blended slapstick humour with a surprisingly deep premise: a psychiatric patient who becomes a masked vigilante.
Now, decades later, he’s back. This new live-action reboot by director Anwari Ashraf has given Keluang Man a whole new edge, mixing heart, humour, and just enough chaos to remind us why we loved him in the first place. Whether you grew up with Keluang Man or, like us, are stepping into his world for the first time, this reboot has something for everyone.
Chaos meets calm
The film follows Borhan (played by Nas-T), a patient at a mental hospital in Tampoi who secretly fights crime as Keluang Man in the quiet town of Kluang. Haunted by trauma and fractured memories, Borhan’s double life as Keluang Man begins to spiral when he crosses paths with a criminal syndicate led by his estranged brother, Shamsir (Datuk Remy Ishak). With the help of Inspector Sahab (Anwaar Beg Moghal) and the compassionate Dr Malini (Shweta Sekhon), Borhan must confront his past, his sanity, and the meaning of heroism.
What starts as a mission for justice quickly turns personal. A painful confrontation dredges up old wounds, and Borhan blinded by rage and a thirst for revenge starts to lose sight of the line between hero and vigilante.
Despite its pretty heavy themes, the film manages to smartly balance its heavier themes with moments of comedy and absurdity. Whether it’s Borhan’s hilarious one-liners, the quirky banter between Inspector Sahab (Anwaar Beg Moghal) and his team, or the well crafted fighting scenes, we really appreciated how the film walked that fine line between serious and silly.
Another standout feature of the movie is how it handles mental health. Borhan isn’t your typical superhero. He’s dealing with trauma, confusion, and a mind that doesn’t always cooperate. And the film doesn’t try to hide that. What’s cool is that the movie doesn’t treat his mental illness like a weakness. If anything, it’s part of what makes him strong. He’s not perfect, but he keeps showing up and keeps fighting despite all of his trauma.
Performances & directing: grounded and full of heart
The cast of Keluang Man brings a surprising amount of emotional weight to a story that could’ve easily leaned too far towards Keluang Man's more comedic roots. Nas-T delivers a standout performance as Borhan, capturing the character’s quiet intensity, vulnerability, and inner turmoil, while Dautk Remy Ishak is equally compelling as Shamsir, Borhan’s estranged brother and the film’s central antagonist. His performance adds layers of complexity to what could’ve been your typical evil villain.
Meanwhile, Datuk Rosyam Nor brings a quiet, enigmatic presence to the role of Borhan’s silat mentor, grounding the film in tradition while offering a steady sense of moral clarity amid the chaos.
Additionally, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 Shweta Sekhon is a standout as Dr Malini who brings warmth, empathy, and a sense of calm to the story, acting as both Borhan’s anchor. Her chemistry with Nas-T is subtle but effective, and her presence helps balance the film’s darker, more chaotic moments.
We also enjoyed how the cinematography leans into shadows, neon hues, and tight framing to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease—perfectly capturing the tension between Borhan’s inner world and the reality around him.
The film moves between gritty realism, dark comedy, and emotional drama without ever feeling disjointed. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but its pulled off with style and confidence.
One for fans of nostalgia
If you grew up in Malaysia in the 90s or early 2000s, you’ll find plenty of familiar touches to smile at. From the unmistakable silhouette of Keluang Man’s costume to the quirky side characters and even the slightly offbeat humour, the film is packed with subtle (and not-so-subtle) callbacks to the animated series.
The setting, too, feels like a time capsule—complete with old-school Malaysian signage and that unmistakable small-town vibe that feels lifted straight from a childhood memory.
Even the soundtrack and sound effects carry echoes of the original, giving longtime fans that warm, fuzzy feeling of flipping on the TV after school. But what’s impressive is how these nostalgic elements are woven into the story naturally. They’ve managed to bottle that childhood magic while giving it a fresh, cinematic edge.
A hero worth rooting for
Keluang Man isn’t your typical superhero—and that’s exactly why he works. He’s flawed, unpredictable, and sometimes completely overwhelmed by his own mind. But he’s also brave, determined, and deeply human.
Whether you’re watching out of nostalgia or discovering him for the first time, it’s hard not to root for Borhan as he stumbles, fights, and grows into the hero he never intended to be.
Keluang Man is weird, heartfelt, and proudly Malaysian and that’s what makes him a hero worth cheering for. Watch Keluang Man in cinemas nationwide starting from 29th May.
Watch the trailer below:
Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw
Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw