The Malaysian Series 'BIDAAH' Breaks 2.5 Billion Viewers, Walid's Charm Cannot Be Avoided!

Kapanlagi.com - The phenomenal drama series BIDAAH from Malaysia, which has taken social media by storm since last Ramadan, has achieved an impressive milestone. The series recorded over 2.5 billion viewers just one month after its premiere. The Viu Malaysia team officially confirmed this achievement on April 9, 2025.

Clips of scenes from BIDAAH uploaded by netizens on social media, especially TikTok, are believed to be one of the reasons why this series directed by Pali Yahya has captured the attention and curiosity of many. Additionally, the theme related to the practices of cults in society also attracted groups of viewers to watch the series directly.

1. Achieve High Popularity Through Social Media

The BIDAAH series successfully reached 2.5 billion viewers. (credit: instagram.com/viumalaysia)

The beginning of the BIDAAH series being widely known and reaching audiences in Indonesia is thanks to an iconic line spoken by a character named Walid. This character, portrayed by the senior Malaysian actor Faizal Hussein, is depicted as a sect leader who claims to be the Imam Mahdi and possesses manipulative traits to fulfill his personal interests.

In one scene, Walid is seen gathering with the girls who are followers of his sect in a cave. He instructs all the women to close their eyes while imagining his face during dhikr, then asks each of them to sit apart while continuously reciting those prayers. However, when faced alone with one of his followers named Dewi, Walid gives her a different command under the pretext that the girl's soul has been connected to him for a long time.

2. Daring to Raise Issues Surrounding Deceptive Religious Sects

The BIDAAH series successfully reached 2.5 billion viewers. (credit: instagram.com/viumalaysia)

In the web drama BIDAAH, the director develops the story by drawing inspiration from a sensitive issue that has long been rooted in society, namely the deviation of religious teachings from a misguided sect. This series invites its viewers to always adopt a critical stance towards all religious practices circulating around them, as not everything is guaranteed to truly align with the established religious laws.

Although it seems bold, the BIDAAH series has still received criticism regarding the storyline presented. Many netizens lament the decisions made by those behind the production of the drama for featuring scenes that are too extreme. On the other hand, many also believe that the reality that Pali Yahya attempts to portray in his series is quite satisfying and very much reflects the dark side of how a religious sect operates.

The production company of the series has also emphasized that their main goal in developing the storyline as created is to educate the local community to be more cautious about misguided sects. They do not endorse allegations that the BIDAAH series was designed merely as a medium for insulting a religion. Society must unite to eradicate the existence of similar sects in real life.

3. A Glimpse into the BIDAAH Series

The BIDAAH series successfully reached 2.5 billion viewers. (credit: instagram.com/viumalaysia)

According to Viu, the series BIDAAH tells the story of a young woman named Baiduri (Riena Diana) who is forced by her mother to join Jihad Ummah, a religious sect led by the charismatic Walid Muhammad (Faizal Hussein). While involved with the sect, Baiduri realizes that there are various disturbing practices behind the spiritual teachings within it. These practices include forced marriages, absolute obedience, and rituals that raise questionable legalities.

Hambali (Fattah Amin), the second son of Walid who has just returned from Yemen, also believes that the sect led by his father has gone astray. With a strong determination to protect his mother and reveal the truth, Baiduri, along with Hambali, risks everything to challenge the sect leaders and uncover their secrets.

(kpl/rtr)