Thai horror hit "Halabala" by Eakasit Thairaat sets to haunt Malaysian audience

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Thai horror hit "Halabala" by Eakasit Thairaat sets to haunt Malaysian audience

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Writer: Ann Tan

"Halabala" opens in cinemas on 26 June

17 Jun - Following its release in Thailand, horror-thriller "Halabala" ranked among the Top 5 highest-grossing Thai opening day releases of 2025 (as of 26 April) and generated buzz for its bold visuals and fresh approach to the horror genre. The film premieres in Malaysian and Brunei cinemas on 26 June.

Synopsis: Inspector Dan, nicknamed "Dan the Hundred Corpses," is a reckless cop given one final chance to redeem himself. His mission leads him down a perilous path pursuing a deranged gang leader who has escaped prison and vanished into Halabala - a forbidden jungle. Within this deadly forest lurk whispers of the Batow, an ancient cannibal tribe that some believe extinct while others insist never truly left. As Dan balances his relentless pursuit of justice with protecting his pregnant wife Vi, who fears their new forest home, something sinister waits in the shadows to consume them all.

Director Eakasit Thairaat brings a bold and distinctive vision to "Halabala"

Director Eakasit Thairaat - a cult figure in Thai indie comics and screenwriting - shapes this horror experience by leaning into what he does best: mood, tension, and unsettling storytelling.

In an interview with Cinema Online, he reveals how he adds dimension to typical horror, wanting it to stand out by exploring characters' psychological depths. "Halabala" becomes a deeply layered film blending horror, myth, violence, trauma, and philosophy, all set in the forbidden jungle. Shooting took place in the actual ancient Hala-Bala forest in southern Thailand, a location that remains largely inaccessible and unexplored.

To bring the forest's dark atmosphere to life on screen, Thairaat combined his experience and knowledge in designing everything from demons to unique characters, creating a sense of fun that makes comic readers feel like they're stepping into an animated comic. He draws inspiration from real legends and beliefs surrounding the forest to create mystery around characters and the human psyche, collaborating with his art team to design visuals through research on authentic stories.

Because filming occurred in an actual forest to convey its haunting, oppressive, and sacred qualities, "I had to gather all my focus and strength to bring the team together to build trust. Some things happened that couldn't be explained like how suddenly a large tree fell right down in the middle of a shoot."

Chantavit "Ter" Dhanasevi stars as reckless cop Inspector Dan

Renowned Thai actor and screenwriter Chantavit "Ter" Dhanasevi takes on the role of Inspector Dan, stepping away from his signature comedy performances in horror-comedy and romantic-comedy films. We asked what drew him to portray the ruthless and emotionally detached cop known as "Dan the Hundred Corpses."

Ter explains that rom-com characters aren't very complex, but serious drama roles like this require focusing on inner emotion. "I have to really become that character, live with that character - the acting becomes more serious and intense."

When discussing his preparation for portraying Dan's inner struggles, he reveals his attraction to the challenge: "It's a character I've never played before. I was drawn to the challenge of the character's inner emotions, even how he stands, walks, and uses weapons to look convincing as a cop." He also bulked up physically to fit the role, noting that the most challenging scene came toward the film's end "when everything unfolds and Dan explodes with emotion."

Nuttanicha "Nycha" Dungwattanawanich's first leading role is in a horror film

Thai actress and model Nuttanicha "Nycha" Dungwattanawanich plays Vi, Dan's pregnant wife. With extensive experience in TV dramas, this marks her first leading role in a feature film - and it happens to be a horror.

Nycha embraces this new and exciting challenge, acknowledging that horror films present different pressures while sharing that she actually had fun with the support of a cast and crew who gave their all. Working alongside Ter, she offers only praise for her co-star's dedication and determination.

Be sure to catch "Halabala" when it hits Malaysian and Brunei cinemas on 26 June, promising a uniquely haunting experience that blends psychological depth with terror.

Cinema Online, 17 June 2025