5 Ferocious Facts About Prime Video’s Malaysian Crime Thriller ‘Budak Flat’

By Dale B  •  in News
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Image via Prime Video.

Prime Video’s first Amazon Original film from Malaysia, Budak Flat has been making the rounds online, quickly becoming one of the platform’s biggest local hits.  

Inspired by a true-life encounter, director Eugene Lim, invites audiences into a fictional tale set within a residential complex wrestling with criminal challenges, pushing its residents into an unyielding struggle for survival. 

The story unfolds through the intertwined lives of two brothers, Aman (played by Zahiril Adzim), a reformed thief, and Riz (played by Pablo Amirul), a drug dealer. The brothers find themselves at odds as they grapple with the harsh realities that threaten to tear them apart.

Whether you’ve seen Budak Flat or are gearing up for a weekend watch, here are five facts about the movie and its creation. 

Real Life Inspiration

Picture courtesy of Eugene Lim.

Marking Eugene Lim’s directorial debut, Budak Flat was inspired by his real-life encounters. Having spent his formative years in a flat and engaged with diverse communities, Lim draws upon his personal experiences to weave elements of reality into this work of fiction.

In his role as the film advisor for Budak Flat, Syafiq Yusof was motivated by a genuine desire to authentically depict the challenges faced by the urban poor residing in low-cost housing around Kuala Lumpur. 

Giving director Eugene Lim the freedom to provide social commentary on flat house culture, Yusof leverages Lim’s firsthand understanding of growing up in such a setting to ensure an authentic portrayal.

A Legendary Backdrop

Picture courtesy of Eugene Lim.

Constructed in 1972, the flats, commonly known as Flat San Peng or Flat Sri Selangor, have become a symbol of endurance. Each night, dedicated members of the residents’ association patrol the area, diligently working to maintain its safety.

In the 1990s, the name ‘San Peng’ in Kuala Lumpur carried connotations of gang activities. Over time, this locality has undergone significant development, surpassing its earlier reputation and emerging as a much safer community. 

During the filming of Budak Flat, the residents of Flat San Peng displayed exceptional hospitality, ensuring the well-being of the cast and crew throughout the production.

Fasting Month Filming

The filming of this action-packed film coincided with the fasting month of Ramadhan. The unexpected nature of this decision adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially considering that specific scenes required the unwavering commitment of the cast and crew from dusk until dawn. 

The remarkable dedication displayed by both the talented cast and industrious crew during this period deserves heartfelt acknowledgement and applause. Kudos to the outstanding teamwork and determination that breathed life into this cinematic endeavour!

Balan Kash’s Dynamic Debut

Picture courtesy of Eugene Lim.

Venturing into the realm of acting, especially within the action genre, Malaysian rapper Balan Kash embraced the challenge of fully embodying the character of a gangster. 

Both Pablo and Zahiril recognised the importance of authenticity in the scenes, and personally urged Kash to deliver convincing punches. The film was aiming to ensure that the on-screen confrontations felt undeniably genuine. 

Not only did this rapper rise to the challenge, but he also unveiled a remarkable and authentic talent for acting. His debut is definitely one to look forward to when you’re watching ‘Budak Flat’.

All My Own Stunts

Picture courtesy of Eugene Lim.

Joyce Harn, who plays Mandy, performed an outstanding stunt onscreen when she willingly took a plunge from the sixth-floor flat. Despite her profound fear of heights, Harn bravely chose to forgo a stuntman for this specific scene. 

The stunt was even performed multiple times, all in pursuit of achieving the perfect shot. Interestingly, the scene was actually executed from the third floor, though this sleight of hand is seamless in the final shot seen in ‘Budak Flat’.

For all this and more, check out ‘Budak Flat’ for yourselves and stream it now on Prime Video.