Khadam: New Malaysian Horror Explores the Saka Curse in a 1950s Setting

Khadam

The curse is not given - it is passed on.

Synopsis

Khadam is a supernatural psychological horror film rooted in Nusantara folklore, weaving together themes of inheritance, motherhood, and the terrifying loss of control to an unseen spiritual force.

Set in 1950s Malaysia, the story follows Melor, a woman whose life is turned upside down following the death of her mother, and what initially appears to be a painful but ordinary inheritance quickly reveals something far more disturbing  - a saka - a spiritual entity passed down through generations, tied to dark rituals and bloodline curses.

About Khadam

Khadam is  is produced through a cross-border collaboration between Malaysian production houses Red Communications and Komet Productions, marking Red Communications’ official entry into the horror genre.

The story draws heavily from regional beliefs surrounding the saka  - a spiritual inheritance in Malay folklore often associated with guardianship, power, and generational curses, and In Khadam, this concept is reimagined as something that evolves over time from protection into domination.

Executive producer Lina Tan described the project as a tightly structured but unpredictable narrative, while director Shamyl Othman emphasized that the film avoids romanticizing the supernatural, so instead, it focuses on psychological deterioration, emotional strain, and the gradual erosion of personal identity.

Supported by FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia), Khadam represents a wider effort to elevate regional horror storytelling to an international audience.

Director and Cast

Khadam is directed by Shamyl Othman and the cast includes Aghniny Haque, Remy Ishak, Siti Khadijah Halim, Zarra Zhaf, Karl El and Jun Lojong.

Trailer

Images

Khadam poster

Release Date

Khadam gets a theatrical release in Malaysia on June 11th, with a North American release date not yet announced.

Are you looking forward to Khadam

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