Arya Saloka in MUNAFIK: FIGHTING THE DEVIL, Nervous when performing Rukiah

Kapanlagi.com - The religious horror film Munafik: Fighting the Devil has released its first trailer. Adapted from the phenomenal work from Malaysia, it is packaged with a touch of Indonesian local culture and directed by Guntur Soeharjanto. Actor Arya Saloka stars as Ustaz Adam, who has a special ability to perform rukiah.

Speaking about the working process on set, Arya emphasizes the clear direction from the director. "Everything is quite heavy for me. But it becomes easier because the captain is straightforward. Direct to the point, point, point," said Arya Saloka.

In the story, Ustaz Adam is deeply grieving after losing his wife in a fatal accident. He temporarily leaves his profession due to being engulfed in sorrow that tests his faith, until a plea for help from a friend brings him back to face a very dark demonic force.

1. Bringing Ustaz Adam to Life: Physical and Mental Challenges

The character of Ustaz Adam demands emotional depth and physical readiness. Arya Saloka must maintain the intensity of his acting to portray spiritual terror as well as inner turmoil, in line with the religious horror theme carried by this film.

The biggest challenge for him is the rukiah scene. "If asked, the one that makes me quite nervous is the rukiah, for me. I am afraid of making many mistakes at that moment, but because the learning process has its time, alhamdulillah it was made easier," said Arya Saloka.

The background of Adam's story, who had stopped his profession before returning to help a friend, serves as the foundation for the character's journey. At that point, he faces the terror depicted as very dark, in accordance with the story's focus on inner struggle and faith.

2. Acha Septriasa as Fitri and the Crossroad of Faith

Meanwhile, Acha Septriasa plays Fitri, a nurse who experiences supernatural disturbances. This character is in a state of despair, questioning God's justice amid a life that feels increasingly dark.

According to Acha, the essence of the story is intertwined with human efforts to manage the heart when at a crossroads of belief. "Actually, this film is about how humans deal with their hearts when they are at a crossroads. Should they remain faithful to God or feel that their life stops there," said Acha Septriasa.

The collaboration between Arya Saloka and Acha Septriasa is one of the attractions. Arya mentioned that his co-star is proactive in building an imaginative atmosphere during the shooting process, which helps in the emotional intensity required for the scenes.

3. Collaboration on Set and Release Schedule

The support of the cast on location also helped Arya build the character and bring a sense of terror that feels real in front of the camera. The work situation on set is said to be conducive to keeping the imagination focused.

"So indeed every time on location, what motivates and fuels my imagination there is Acha," said Arya Saloka.

Hypocrite: Fighting the Devil is a production by Unlimited Production in collaboration with Skop Productions, Legacy Pictures, AZ Films, and Komet Productions. After the premiere trailer is released, this film is scheduled to hit Indonesian theaters starting September 3, 2026.

(kpl/ums)