Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: November 20, 2024 | 
| 中文
Rakhshinda's first anxiety attack.
If you’re a horror film enthusiast who’s been eagerly awaiting a dark and intense movie in Urdu, your wait is partly over. The Malaysian horror film Anak Perjanjian Syaitan 2, now released in Pakistan under the title Gunah with an Urdu dubbing, is here to deliver chills. The movie tapped into the horror genre with an intense and suspenseful storyline that has resonated with audiences. Directed by Dr. Ahmad Idham, a prominent director, this Malaysian horror sequel takes viewers back into a world of supernatural pacts, family curses and forbidden forces, expanding upon the story established in the original film. With instances taken from real experiences, the film is a mix of horror and action, where the Quran is used as a weapon to fight against evil forces.
Rakhshinda, Amtul Rafi and the director
Anak Perjanjian Syaitan 2 is a sequel to a movie that came out in 2019, around the same time COVID hit the world. That movie survived and braved the Corona wave. Now the sequel has come out in an equally challenging time and has become a hit. It’s success could be gauged from the fact that other 'dubbed' movies from fellow Muslim countries were not being shown in Pakistani cinema houses, yet the horror genre became popular. The way Quranic verses were used to counter demonic forces, could be another reason for coming to the cinema.
The demon
The story of the sequel begins with a girl named Azlinda’s struggle against sinister forces that jeopardizes her life and sanity. For the Urdu version, the characters' names have been Pakistani-zed, e.g. Azlinda became Rakhshinda. Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the girl suspects her troubles are rooted in her dark family history. As the story progresses, the audience is drawn into the lead character's emotional journey and inner turmoil, revealing her vulnerability and resilience. The film’s poignant storyline allows viewers to deeply connect with Azlinda’s fears and battles, making it both a gripping and heartfelt experience. When she finally moves to a place, where she is looked after by 'Sister Farkhunda'. She was supposed to feel safe until the terror struck. With frequent deaths, she tries to run away as well, but is saved by Ustaz Taha, played by Alif Satar. Taha has learned Quran by heart and also knows how to fight 'inner demons'.
Rakhshinda with Satan
The film is an addition to the horror genre made popular by the Indonesian film Sijjin (2023); a remake of the Turkish film Siccin (2014). The supernatural horror series from Turkey debuted over ten years ago. With the release of Siccin 7 earlier this year in Pakistani cinemas, local producers decided to bring the popular genre to fill the empty cinemas in the country. With no new local release in sight, Gunah (Sin) turned out to be a good choice that at least managed to keep the meter running.
Students at the girls’ center
Despite being completely in Urdu, it never felt that the voices were not original. Proper dubbing and an excellent selection of voices was done. Nadeem Asad was the Director of the whole Urdu Dubbing project, and he also did the voice-over for Satan along with seasoned television actors like Ismat Zaidi, Akbar Islam and Shireen Akhtar providing voices to important characters, there was Samina Aman, Shehroz and Reham. The production team responsible for dubbing was perfect to the core and at no point, it occurred that the film was from any other language.
The film's cinematography was exceptional as the Director of Photography made sure to bring out a claustrophobic tension with dark, moody lighting and close. By deliberately using unsettling camera angles, he managed to enhance the eerie, otherworldly ambiance. The perfect use of lights and music added depth to the scene itself. The production team also deserves praise for their attention to detail in the makeup and costume design, particularly in the scenes featuring paranormal entities, which add a layer of realism to the supernatural sequences.
Rakhshinda's teachers Amtul Rafi and Aznan, with a helper (center).
The way the fight between good and evil is depicted in the movie and the power of Quranic verses presented, surely would bring a better person out of the cinemagoer. One must control greed and lust, and not interfere with the work of God; otherwise, the future generations would pay, just like the lead character fights for survival. Torn between the good and bad life, Eyka Farhana, carried the weight of the entire film on her shoulders.
Overall, Anak Perjanjian Syaitan 2 is an intense and engaging horror movie that captures the essence of supernatural horror with style and depth. For those who appreciate horror that’s both psychologically gripping and visually chilling, this sequel offers an unsettling yet thrilling ride through the darker side of family ties and forbidden secrets. One thing is sure; Anak Perjanjian Syaitan 2 may enable filmmakers to opt for the horror genre.
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