“Baik Punya Ah Long” Review: A Quirky Blend Of Comedy, Music & Brotherly Chaos

“Baik Punya Ah Long” features a surprising mix of comedy, music and heartfelt moments, making it a refreshing take on the cinematic Malay moneylending trope.

Directed by Dato’ Afdlin Shauki, the film is full of his signature style – oddball humour, quirkiness and a touching storyline. The tale revolves around brothers Aloy (Zizan Razak) and Aley (Johan), who unexpectedly find themselves running a moneylending business.

One of the first things that will catch your attention is the incredible Dolby Atmos sound design. You’re truly immersed in the musical numbers and fight scenes, with surround sounds that pull you right into the action. Whether it’s a high-energy fight scene or a catchy song, the audio immerses you fully. Speaking of the musical numbers, while entertaining, they seem a bit excessive towards the final part of the film. There’s a point where it feels like they’re just trying to fit in a whole bunch of songs, slowing down the story’s momentum. Still, the diversity in musical styles keeps things interesting, and if you’re a fan of Afdlin’s Shauki’s previous works, you’ll probably appreciate these quirky musical breaks.

As for the storyline, it’s surprisingly well-developed for a comedy of this kind. The relationships between the characters, particularly the brothers and their father (played by Chew Kin Wah as Ah Long), give the film its emotional backbone. Their interactions add a layer of warmth that balance out the slapstick humour. Some of the best scenes are those that show the father-son dynamic – Chew Kin Wah brings a subtle strength to his role, grounding the otherwise chaotic narrative. Honestly, it would’ve been great to see more of him in the film, as his character brings needed depth to the light-hearted story.

“Baik Punya Ah Long” was originally developed a long time ago, back when the late Din Beramboi was still alive. It was initially written for Afdlin Shauki and Din Beramboi as a feature-length version of their popular sketch ‘Ah-ha’ from Ah Long Bukit Beruntung. However, Afdlin Shauki decided to rework the script for Zizan and Johan, who bring their own unique chemistry and humour to the film. The Jozan duo (Zizan & Johan) truly shines, with their banter and bond providing much of the film’s comedic flair.

Humour-wise, the film delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, especially in the earlier acts. The entire time, you can see Afdlin Shauki’s signature style—a blend of more subdued speech and physical comedy. There’s no denying Zizan and Johan’s chemistry; they complement one another so well that their antics never fail to amuse you. However, as the plot develops, the musical elements slightly overshadow the comedy, which may disappoint those who are hoping for nonstop humour. But there’s enough gold in the comedy to keep the audience interested.

Ultimately, Baik Punya Ah Long is a film that succeeds in its goal to entertain. It’s not aiming to be overly deep or complex, but there’s enough heart and humour to make it a worthwhile watch. The dynamic between Aloy and Aley is the emotional core of the movie, and their brotherly bond is what elevates it beyond just a musical comedy.

Although the pacing stumbles a bit due to the abundance of musical numbers, the film never loses its charm. Whether you’re a fan of Jozan, Afdlin Shauki, or just looking for something light and family-friendly to enjoy over popcorn, “Baik Punya Ah Long” is a solid pick. It’s a fun, easy-to-digest story with just the right balance of humour, music, and a dash of chaos.

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Catch “Baik Punya Ah Long” in cinemas nationwide starting 12th September.