HAK: TUNTUT ATAU TUNDUK” Raises Questions About Societal Rights and the Choices Shaping the Future of Our Society

Astro Shaw, in association with Etika Sdn Bhd (through its brands 7UP and Mirinda), Enotech Pictures, and Icon Pictures, continues to strengthen the local film industry with its latest feature, HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk. Set against the backdrop of evolving communities and changing workplace realities, HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk offers a reflective and constructive look at the social shifts shaping everyday life in Malaysia today. The film explores themes of dignity, responsibility, integrity and human connection, inviting audiences to reflect on the values that shape how people live, work and relate to one another, especially here in Malaysia.

Helmed by acclaimed director Ezrie Gazali, known for “Abah Saya Uncle Mike,” with a screenplay by acclaimed writer Alfie Palermo, who previously created the premium series “One Cent Thief”, HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk was developed from an original story concept initiated by Santharuban Thurai Sundaram.

As the film's strategic partner, Etika came on board after initiating discussions with Astro Shaw to explore a narrative-led collaboration that could spotlight meaningful social conversations through film. Through its brands 7UP and Mirinda, Etika aims to support stories that connect with Malaysians beyond entertainment, while encouraging reflection in a constructive and accessible way.

Each scene is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, featuring Syafiq Kyle, Beto Kusyairy, Kodi Rasheed, Mimi Lana, Fadhli Masoot, Aziz M. Osman, Radhi Khalid, Rubini Sambanthan, El Umar Mokhtar, and Fizz Fairuz. Notably, this marks the first on-screen collaboration between Syafiq Kyle and Beto Kusyairy.

Currently in active production across the Klang Valley, HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk is being filmed across authentic locations, including bustling public markets and residential apartments, to deliver realistic visuals that enrich its emotional, grounded storytelling. The film is slated for a nationwide theatrical release at the end of the year.

According to the Executive Producer of HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk and Head of Astro Shaw, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, “Astro Shaw remains committed to delivering diverse genres and stories that reflect the realities of Malaysian society. HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk is a project we developed alongside our production partners with a more daring approach, presenting a narrative rooted in today’s challenging economic realities and the erosion of certain community rights due to systemic pressures and external dominance. We believe stories like this deserve to be explored with depth and nuance, offering an honest portrayal while challenging audiences to see issues from multiple perspectives.

Raja Jastina adds, “Following the success of Abah Saya Uncle Mike, Astro Shaw is pleased to continue its collaboration with strategic partners 7UP and Mirinda. As brands that have long been part of Malaysian everyday culture, their involvement adds a familiar and accessible layer to the campaign, helping bring this timely social conversation closer to the public through spaces where Malaysians gather, connect and exchange perspectives”

Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing, Etika Sdn Bhd, who also serves as Executive Producer of the film, shares, “At Etika, we have always believed in taking a bolder route where brands and storytelling can meaningfully intertwine. We are excited to continue building on our narrative-led partnership with Astro Shaw by supporting stories that do more than entertain, but also reflect the realities and conversations shaping society today. 7UP and Mirinda have long been part of Malaysian everyday life — present in the spaces where Malaysians gather, work, eat and connect.

Through HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk, we saw an opportunity to support a story that brings attention to a social conversation already brewing around us; one that touches on work, dignity, ownership and belonging, while encouraging reflection and meaningful conversation.”

Amy continues, “For us, the conversation around HAK, or rights, goes beyond the idea of rights alone. It is also about responsibility — inviting citizens, employers, workers, authorities and society at large to recognise the dignity of honest work in all its forms, and to reflect not only on who steps into certain spaces, but also on what we, as a society, may have stopped valuing, nurturing or passing on. Before we question why certain spaces are changing hands, perhaps we must first ask why they were left empty. As brands rooted in Malaysian culture, 7UP and Mirinda hope to help refresh this conversation by bringing people to the table and encouraging Malaysians to view the issue with greater honesty, empathy and understanding.”

HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk follows Hakim (Syafiq Kyle), an operations officer working at a public market who becomes increasingly desperate to secure money ahead of his first child’s birth. His desperation leads him down a path of exploitation, one that ultimately affects the foreign workers around him. However, his life takes a dangerous turn when he discovers a bag filled with cash, placing him and his family in the crosshairs of ruthless individuals determined to reclaim it. Will Hakim be able to protect his loved ones before it is too late?

Stay tuned for HAK: Tuntut Atau Tunduk, coming to cinemas later this year. Follow Astro Shaw’s official social media platforms for exclusive clips and updates.