Fad Bocey
Iedil
Overview
A quirky group of extras determined to do anything to become famous actors or getting a bigger role in Malaysia.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Extras Who Would Kill for a Close-Up
I’ve spent enough time on film sets to know the hierarchy by heart. The director is king, the leads are royalty, the supporting actors are minor nobility, and the crew? They’re the invisible hands that keep the whole illusion alive.
But the extras? They’re the ghosts. Paid to be seen but never heard, to fill the frame without ever occupying it. Martabat: Misi Berdarah gives those ghosts a voice—and a knife.
This is a film about desperation, but not the kind you might expect. It’s not the desperation of the starving artist, but of the artist who’s been fed just enough to keep showing up—only to realize they’re still invisible. Zahiril Adzim, making his feature directorial debut alongside Adrian Teh, knows this world intimately.
He’s spent 19 years in the Malaysian film industry, much of it as an extra, paid RM50 a day to cheer, scream, or stand in the background while someone else’s story unfolded. Martabat isn’t just a comedy; it’s a love letter to the people who make the magic possible, even if no one ever acknowledges them.
The premise is simple: a group of extras, led by the perpetually scheming Iedil (Fad Bocey) and the quietly ambitious Nafiez (Zahiril himself), arrive on a tropical island to work on a low-budget action film. Their goal? To turn their background roles into something bigger.
Their methods? Anything that works. Sabotage, bribery, accidental violence—nothing is off the table.
But when a gang of rice smugglers, led by the menacing Tok Batin (Amerul Affendi), demands the production leave the island, the line between the movie they’re filming and the chaos they’re living begins to blur. Suddenly, the extras aren’t just pretending to be soldiers. They are soldiers, fighting for their lives in a battle no one scripted.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.5/10
"A chaotic but entertaining action-comedy with standout performances, though its messy plot and uneven tone frustrate some."
The film’s high-energy action sequences and charismatic lead performances, particularly from Fad Bocey and Zahiril Adzim, are the biggest draws, offering plenty of laughs and thrills. However, the story struggles with pacing and coherence, often feeling disjointed, latestnetflix.com contends, while the balance between comedy and action leans too heavily on slapstick humor for some tastes.
What viewers praise
- Energetic action scenes Fight choreography and set pieces deliver adrenaline-pumping moments that keep the film engaging.
- Strong lead performances Fad Bocey and Zahiril Adzim bring undeniable charisma and comedic timing, making their characters memorable.
- Fun, lighthearted tone The movie’s humor and playful approach to its premise provide consistent entertainment.
- Visually dynamic The cinematography and editing create a vibrant, fast-paced aesthetic that suits the film’s style.
Common complaints
- Messy, convoluted plot The story jumps between tones and subplots without enough focus, leaving some viewers confused.
- Over-reliance on slapstick The comedy often leans into broad, repetitive gags that don’t land for everyone.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles feel shallow, with little depth or contribution to the main narrative.
- Uneven pacing Some scenes drag while others rush, making the film feel inconsistent in its rhythm.
Recommended for
Action-comedy fans Fad Bocey enthusiasts Malaysian cinema lovers Lighthearted movie nights Zahiril Adzim admirers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsMartabat: Misi Berdarah – The Blood-Soaked Comedy Shaking Up Malaysian Cinema
Malaysian filmmakers Adrian Teh and Zahiril Adzim are teaming up for Martabat: Misi Berdarah (2025), a dark comedy that promises to push boundaries with its satirical take on the cutthroat world of showbiz. The film, slated for release on 12 June 2025, follows a group of desperate extras willing to go to extreme lengths for fame—or at least a bigger role. If the premise sounds familiar, that’s because it’s a razor-sharp jab at industry vanity, ambition, latestnetflix.com contends, and the often brutal reality behind the glamour 
.
A Star-Studded Cast of Industry Insiders
The ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of Malaysian entertainment, blending comedy veterans with rising stars. Leading the charge is Fad Bocey, the comedian-turned-actor known for his absurdist humor, alongside co-director Zahiril Adzim, who also stars in the film. The lineup includes Shiqin Kamal, Nafiez Zaidi, and Elvina Chua, with supporting roles from Amerul Affendi, Michael Ang, Anas Ridzuan, Iedil Putra, and Emma Maembong .
What makes this cast intriguing is the mix of seasoned performers and industry outsiders—some of whom have likely experienced the very struggles the film satirizes. Zahiril Adzim, in particular, wears multiple hats as co-director and actor, suggesting a deeply personal investment in the project. His previous work, including Hantu Kak Limah (2018), has leaned into horror-comedy, but Martabat appears to be a full pivot into industry satire .
A Dark Comedy with Bite
The film’s logline—"A quirky group of extras determined to do anything to become famous actors or getting a bigger role in Malaysia"—hints at a Tropic Thunder-meets-The Disaster Artist vibe, where desperation fuels increasingly unhinged schemes. The title itself, Martabat: Misi Berdarah (roughly translating to Dignity: Bloody Mission), suggests a tone that’s equal parts hilarious and grotesque .
Given Adrian Teh’s background in action-comedies like J2: J Retribusi (2021) and Zahiril’s knack for blending humor with social commentary, Martabat could be the duo’s most ambitious project yet. The question is whether the film will lean into outright farce or deliver a more nuanced critique of Malaysia’s entertainment industry. Either way, the premise alone is enough to raise eyebrows—and expectations.
Behind the Scenes: What We Know (and What We Don’t)
Details about the production remain scarce, but a few key points stand out:
- Dual Directorship: Adrian Teh and Zahiril Adzim are co-directing, a rare collaboration in Malaysian cinema. Teh’s action-comedy expertise and Zahiril’s indie sensibilities could make for a fascinating creative clash—or a perfect storm of satire .
- June 2025 Release: The film is set for a mid-year debut, positioning it as a potential summer blockbuster in Malaysia. If the marketing leans into the film’s darkly comedic edge, it could attract audiences tired of formulaic local comedies .
- Industry Satire: The premise suggests a meta-narrative about the lengths actors go for recognition. Given the cast’s real-world connections to the industry, rumors (unconfirmed) suggest some scenes may blur the line between fiction and reality—though no specifics have been revealed .
What’s missing? Any word on the film’s budget, shooting locations, or whether the "bloody" in the title is literal or metaphorical. There’s also no confirmation on whether the film will tackle broader issues like nepotism or exploitation in Malaysian entertainment, though the premise certainly leaves room for it.
**Will Martabat Be a Hit or a Miss?**
If Martabat: Misi Berdarah delivers on its promise, it could be a game-changer for Malaysian comedy. The blend of industry satire, dark humor, and a stacked cast is a recipe for something fresh—or at least refreshingly unhinged. But with so little known about the actual tone or plot, the film’s success hinges on execution.
One thing’s for sure: if the trailers lean into the absurdity of the premise, Martabat could become the talk of the town long before its June 2025 release. Until then, fans will have to settle for speculation—and maybe a few viral behind-the-scenes leaks.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.