KUALA LUMPUR — Once dismissed as inferior to global film industries for its lack of quality and compelling storytelling, Malaysian cinema in 2025 has decisively proven its evolution, fuelled by innovative narratives, bold creativity, and rising international acclaim.

Malay Mail even highlighted the year as one of groundbreaking firsts in both concept and storytelling, where local production house Astro Shaw contributed significantly to this momentum with films such as Keluang Man, Abah Saya, Uncle Mike, Malam Terlarang, Banduan, and the animated feature Papa Zola: The Movie.

Local animation continued its remarkable ascent, with the May release of Ejen Ali 2 smashing records by earning RM59.3 million, firmly establishing Malaysia as a rising force in the global animation industry.

Beyond these standout titles, numerous other local films sparked wide conversation, signalling that Malaysian cinema in 2025 is more vibrant, ambitious, and daring than ever before.

If there was one film that dominated discussions throughout the year, it was Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra.

While gangster and action themes are nothing new to Malaysian cinema, Blood Brothers elevated the genre with slick execution, hard-hitting choreography, and relentless pacing.

Released in April, the film earned an impressive RM73.64 million, making it one of the biggest box-office successes of the year.

Its appeal extended well beyond Malaysian cinemas, screening across Southeast Asia before making its global debut on Netflix in August, where it also found an international audience.

As 2025 comes to an end, Blood Brothers has already amassed numerous accolades, including six wins at the 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM34) and Best Director at the International Film Festival Australia (IFFA).