The Indonesian horror-thriller “Siksa Neraka”, penned by Lele Laila and M.B. Rahimsyah, has recently garnered attention due to its controversies and bans in Malaysia and Brunei. This film, featuring performances by Safira Ratu Sofya, Kiesha Alvaro, Ariyo Wahab, and others, paints a terrifying picture of the underworld. It first premiered in Indonesia on December 14, 2023, and soon after, on January 4, 2024 in Malaysia.
“Siksa Neraka” has elicited a varied response from the audience since its release. A video circulating on the internet reveals a transgender individual expressing their intention to repent after watching the film. This individual, clad in yellow, is shown deeply affected while viewing the movie, which portrays the consequences of immoral actions after death.
However, the film has drawn significant online criticism for its intense and brutal scenes, leading to its prohibition in Malaysia and Brunei. The Indonesian film delves into Islamic teachings and consequences of wrongful actions, which might have contributed to its ban. The movie has also been a subject of debate amongst its prospective viewers, with some choosing to refrain from watching it after viewing its trailer.
Adding to the mounting controversies surrounding “Siksa Neraka”, the film distribution company, Antenna Entertainments, announced its inability to screen the movie in both Malaysia and Brunei. This recurring issue of films failing to meet screening criteria in Malaysia underscores the stringent regulations of the country’s film industry.
“Siksa Neraka” has stirred up further controversy owing to its graphic and brutal depiction of punishments in hell and its representation of Islamic beliefs. However, despite the criticisms and ban, the film has received a mixed response from the audience, with an IMDb rating of 5.2 out of 10. Many viewers have voiced their opinions on various social media platforms, further fuelling the film’s contentious status.
The excitement and anticipation to watch the film amongst the Malaysian and Bruneian audience were abruptly replaced by disappointment following the ban, revealing the extensive impact of this decision. Despite these setbacks, “Siksa Neraka” continues to be a topic of conversation and debate, underscoring the film’s significant impact on its viewers and the broader film industry.
