If you grew up in Malaysia in the early 2000s, “Keluang Man” will probably strike a nostalgic chord. After all, that classic animated superhero shaped many childhood Saturdays.
Now, in 2025, he finally takes flight in a fresh, live-action reboot. But this time, kids, their parents, and even older generations are rooting for him.
A Nostalgic Comeback
The story centres on Borhan (Nas-T), a man rebuilding his life after struggles with mental health in the town of Kluang. Donning the Keluang Man mask, he takes on a shadowy criminal syndicate led by the intimidating Shamsir (Remy Ishak). Alongside him are Inspector Sahab (Anwaar Beg Moghal), the relentless cop trying to keep the peace, and Dr. Malini (Shweta Sekhon), who becomes Borhan’s emotional anchor through his turbulent journey.
Nas-T is a perfect fit, effortlessly balancing comedy and introspection. Even if you missed the original animated series, his portrayal makes Borhan’s double life as an underdog hero feel real and compelling.
What Makes Keluang Man Work
At its core, the film is an action-comedy rollercoaster. The director skillfully balances humor and action, delivering nostalgic comedy beats that genuinely made me laugh – those moments hit the right notes without feeling forced. But a few slow patches threaten to stall the momentum, occasionally pulling you out of the fun.
One of the coolest creative choices is how the film cleverly blends animation with live-action. For example, it slips in animated characters like Usop Sontorian. This is a wink that fans of Malaysian cartoons will surely appreciate. Moreover, it adds a playful layer to the story, making the experience even richer.
The jokes land just right – relatable without the cringe factor – and the soundtrack deserves a shoutout. Krisya and Sekumpulan Orang Gila (S.O.G) breathe new life into the original Keluang Man theme. They inject the film with vibrant, nostalgic energy. This energy complements the scenes beautifully.
Nostalgia Meets New-Age Flair
Beyond being a fun ride, “Keluang Man” stakes a claim for Malaysia’s own superhero legacy. It’s a story full of heart, humour, and unmistakably local flavour. For the younger crowd glued to Marvel and DC, this film plants a flag. Our homegrown heroes can definitely hold their own.
By the end, the film left me riding a strong wave of nostalgia and genuinely excited for what’s next. Rumor has it Naim Daniel might join as the sidekick in “Keluang Man 2” – now that’s a sequel worth waiting for.
“Keluang Man” will be in cinemas on 29th May.
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