“Lari” tells the story of Khalif, who is in love with Maya, but has to leave her when their relationship faces opposition from his family as he decides to be a soldier. While Khalif is gone, Maya is wedded to KJ. After seven years apart, Khalif returns to his hometown when he receives news of his father’s death. Upon his return, Khalif is surprised to find out that his younger sister has gone missing. Maya, who is coincidentally facing a domestic crisis with her husband, takes the opportunity to run away by helping Khalif find his sister, thus begins Khalif’s dangerous and action-packed journey to find his sister, who has been taken by female slave traders.
Practical Effects
Earnest stunt work that punches above its budget weight.
Production
Rural Malaysian locations ground the melodrama in specificity.
Director
Ahmad Idham
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ahmad Idham directed over 30 Malaysian films in the 2000s-2010s, specializing in commercially viable genre hybrids like this action-melodrama blend.
The film reflects tensions between traditional Malay family structures and individual ambition — Khalif's soldier career path carries specific cultural weight regarding duty and masculinity.
US
