A Cross-Cultural Milestone in Cinema
It was a night of cinematic celebration at TGV Suria KLCC as Kaithi’s acclaimed Tamil actor Karthi and Singapore-born actor Datuk Aaron Aziz came together for the gala premiere of Banduan, the official Malay remake of Kaithi.
The 4 November event, dubbed “Dilli Meets Dali”—after the characters played by Karthi and Aaron respectively—marked what both stars described as a “historic crossover” between Tamil and Malay cinema.
“Kaithi is coming in Malay now. That is so special to all of us. This crossover happening for the first time between Malay and Tamil is amazing. It is almost like history is being made today,” Karthi said to an enthusiastic crowd at the pre-premiere event.
The Tamil superstar’s arrival in Malaysia drew fans and media alike, with photos of his warm exchange with Aaron Aziz circulating widely online.
Karthi Praises ‘Banduan’: “History Is Being Made”
Karthi, who played the original role of Dilli in Kaithi, was deeply impressed by Banduan, directed by Kroll Azry. After the screening, he expressed heartfelt admiration for the adaptation.
“I’m happy to be here, and I’m overwhelmed after watching the film, which came out so beautifully. The director captured every moment so well. When I was watching the film, it felt fresh — all the emotions worked beautifully, and the action was executed perfectly,” he said.
Karthi also lauded Aaron Aziz’s portrayal of Dali, the localised version of his character. “I was sitting right next to Aaron and kept tapping him every time I saw a great performance. I could see the earnestness in capturing the essence of the original as much as possible — the music, the editing, everything was top-notch,” he added.
The star further reflected on the cultural collaboration, calling it “a wonderful beginning.” “I feel this is history in the making because two cultures are coming together. Films are what bring everyone together — we share the same emotions. I think that’s a beautiful thing,” he said.
Aaron Aziz on Working with Karthi
For Aaron Aziz, who leads Banduan as the rugged and emotionally torn Dali, the experience of meeting and hosting Karthi was equally memorable. Sharing his thoughts, Aaron described the Kaithi actor as “very humble and friendly.”
“Karthi is very humble and friendly; he even asked about the number of films I have starred in,” Aaron wrote, recalling their earlier meeting in Chennai while he was filming there.
The actor, who has long been a household name across Singapore and Malaysia, expressed excitement about introducing Kaithi’s story to Malay audiences. He praised the film’s localisation efforts, highlighting how Banduan retains the emotional heart of the original while adapting its settings and tone to Malaysian culture.
A Remake Done Right
Banduan has already earned praise from critics and audiences for staying true to Kaithi’s essence while infusing it with Malaysian flavour. The film mirrors the intense one-night narrative of the original, where an ex-convict risks everything to save poisoned policemen and reunite with his daughter.
Directed by Kroll Azry and produced by Astro Shaw, the film stars a stellar Malaysian ensemble including Datuk Rosyam Nor, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Fadhli Masoot, and Abi Madyan, with Sam CS—composer of Kaithi—returning to handle the music.
“This is what I like about Dali — his strength and toughness contrast with his tenderness toward his family,” Aaron said of his role.
Global Screenings and Fan Reactions
Following its Malaysian release on 6 November, Banduan is set to reach international audiences with screenings in Canada, the United States, and France—a first for a Malay-language action film.
As the credits rolled at the premiere, applause filled the hall, capturing the spirit of cultural unity that defined the night. For both Karthi and Aaron Aziz, Banduan wasn’t just a remake — it was a bridge between industries, audiences, and emotions.
Or, as Karthi put it best:
“History is being made today.”
Watch the videos here:
@therealaaronaziz Bismillah Banduan 6th Nov Dali akan jumpa semua di pawagam! #kaithi #aaronaziz #fyp @Dream Warrior Pictures Sdn Bhd @Number Twenty One Media
@astroulagam With his signature warmth, @karthi_offl greeted the crowd with “Enna mama, sowkiyama?” at the Banduan premiere, winning hearts instantly as he spoke about Kaithi’s remake in Malaysia. #Banduan #astroulagam
@therealaaronaziz Dilli has landed….. Dali and Dilli bergabung pada 4th Nov di KLCC malam tayangan perdana. Saksikan filem Banduan 6th Nov seluruh Malaysia! Bismillah @Dream Warrior Pictures Sdn Bhd @Number Twenty One Media Banduan AaronAziz Kaithi karthi
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