KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — Malaysian action film Chelot, produced by Act 2 Pictures, is a personal project for director Adrian Teh, the filmmaker behind Paskal, Reversi and Magik Rompak.
The film was already generating buzz when news broke in June that the action feature had set a record for the longest single-take action sequence in Malaysian cinema history.
The technical feat spans 1.9 kilometres and runs continuously for five minutes and 19 seconds, captured with a single camera as the action moves from Quill City Mall to Pertama Complex without a cut.
The milestone has since been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
Speaking at yesterday’s gala premiere of Chelot at IOI City Mall Putrajaya, Teh said that in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital filmmaking, the film represents a different approach, with the director and his team returning to the fundamentals of the craft.
He pointed to the film’s extensive use of practical effects, with pyrotechnics, explosions and bullet-hit effects largely created on set.
While CGI was used where necessary, Teh said about 95 per cent of the effects were achieved practically.
‘There is beauty in it’
Speaking to Malay Mail, Teh described himself as an “old-fashioned guy” when it comes to filmmaking, saying that whenever possible, he prefers to capture scenes in-camera rather than rely on CGI.
“There is beauty in it, and the effect I get in-camera through practical effects feels real.
“I think it would be difficult for CGI to achieve that.
“CGI effects are also good and enough to tell the story, but to make it feel real and make the audience feel something, that can only be achieved with practical effects.
“The level we went to and the planning we did to make these practical effects happen is really crazy.
“I honestly don’t think anyone has gone this far in terms of making a movie like Chelot.”
Director Adrian Teh with the cast and crew of Malaysian action film ‘Chelot’. — Picture courtesy of GSC Cinemas
Action with something at stake
Beyond its large-scale action sequences, Chelot also leans into grounded drama, with Teh positioning family and sacrifice at the centre of the story.
The Malaysian ensemble brings together Beto Kusyairy, Shukri Yahaya and Shaheizy Sam, alongside Nadhir Nasar, Alicia Amin, Mustaqim Bahadon and Theebaan G.
The story follows special operations police officer Inspector Haqqim (Shukri), who is crushed by debt and family pressure.
When a high-stakes raid goes tragically wrong, he secretly becomes an informant for a dangerous weapons-smuggling ring led by Datuk Bakri (Shaheizy) and his right-hand man Azraf (Beto), trapping him in a deadly game between the law and the underworld.
“I hope audiences will enjoy the film and take the time to watch it,” Teh said.
He added that Chelot is ultimately a story about family, while also paying tribute to the sacrifices made by members of the police force.
“There are times when people overlook their contributions, and this story tells of the sacrifices they have made,” he said.
More than men in uniform
Shukri similarly stressed the human story beneath the film’s action.
“Chelot is not just a story about men in uniform,” he said.
“There are many morals that we can take from this film.
“Despite all the action, it also has drama and emotion, which is why audiences should watch it.”
Chelot is slated for nationwide release on August 27.