Viu Malaysia has officially launched its latest Viu Original, Nafsu, starring an ensemble of talented actors including Kamal Adli, Azira Shafinaz, Aqasha, Khayrisha Kemal and Nia Atasha. The original series is produced by Infinitus Productions as Nafsu is the 26th Viu Original to be released in Malaysia. This eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on 27 June 2024 with new episodes every Thursday thereafter.
Nafsu centres around a con man named Sam (Kamal Adli) who makes his living pretending to be a mystic healer. With his con partner, Suria (Nia Atasha), they target gullible upper-class clients in cases involving black magic and the spirit world. In reality, Sam does actually possess a sixth sense and was once taught to perform exorcism. He however keeps denying this ability due to a past tragedy. When Dina (Azira Shafinaz), Sam’s old flame, seeks his help to find her missing sister, Alia (Khayrisyah Kemal), who claimed to be hearing voices, Sam tries to embrace his gift to help Dina. Alia’s disappearance is simply the beginning of a bigger threat involving a mysterious cult among the elites, led by an enigmatic man known as Gusti (Aqasha). Alongside Dina and Suria, Sam is about to be tested in ways he never imagined as the city witnesses Gusti’s grand plan.
Viu Malaysia Country Manager, Kingsley Warner, said, “Building on our previous successes with acclaimed thrillers like Hilang and Nenek Bongkok Tiga, we’re proud to bring you our latest title that is sure to captivate fans of the genre. With its immersive story’s settings, suspenseful narrative and compelling characters, Nafsu is a worthy addition to our slate.”
“Our main cast, Kamal Adli, Azira Shafinaz and Aqasha, are well-known faces in the Viu Original series, previously starring in Black S1 & S2, Ijab Kabut, and Hilang respectively. Nafsu will be their first project together in the supernatural thriller genre. Their diverse acting backgrounds and skills will certainly make the characters more layered and genuine, ensuring an engaging and immersive drama-watching experience,” Kingsley
added.
Nafsu promises to take viewers on an unforgettable journey across a diverse array of filming locations, from the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil landscapes and rich historical sites of Janda Baik and Batu Cave. The cinematography skillfully captures the play of light and shadow, infusing the series with depth and suspense and enriching the viewing experience. Additionally, the production team went to great lengths to ensure authenticity, capturing the essence of the neighbourhood featured in the series.
Nafsu is directed by Sein Qudsi, making this his third Viu Original. Alongside Ghaz Abu Bakar, he previously co-directed the Malaysian adaptation of hit Korean series Black, which earned the national win for Best Director at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021, and investigative thriller Hilang (2022).
The theme song for Nafsu is titled “Kala Tiba,” performed by renowned artist Marsha Milan and composed by Sein Qudsi.