Remakes are always a gamble. Some elevate the source material while others simply struggle to capture the original spark. When fans of the 2019 Tamil hit Kaithi learned that a Malaysian adaptation titled Banduan was in the works, the anticipation was instant. 

The excitement grew further during the premiere, especially with the special appearance of Karthik Sivakumar, also known as Karthi, who played the original Dilli. It felt like a full circle moment for fans who were familiar with the story's emotional weight.

For those who have not watched Kaithi, the plot revolves around a recently released prisoner who is unexpectedly tasked with transporting a group of poisoned policemen to safety while criminals attempt to hunt them down. 

Beneath the chaos sits a very human driving force, which is his desire to meet his young daughter for the first time. Banduan carries this same emotional foundation, with Dato Aaron Aziz stepping into the role of Dali whose motivation is driven by the same longing for reunion.

One of the strongest qualities in Banduan is its localisation. The incorporation of Malaysian cultural flavour feels natural and not simply inserted for the sake of familiarity. It respects the setting it exists in while retaining the essence of the original narrative. 

For instance, in Kaithi, the moment where Dilli sits down to eat Briyani works as a quiet wink to Karthi's 2013 film Biriyani, something Tamil audiences caught immediately. Banduan takes that same beat and swaps it for Nasi Dagang.

However, as someone who experienced Kaithi in cinemas when it first released, the intensity and impact that lingered long after the credits rolled did not translate to the same level here. 

Rather, Kaithi had a rawness and urgency that came through in every frame and that emotional punch was slightly muted this time. Still, most Malaysian audiences especially those unfamiliar with Tamil cinema may view Banduan through a fresh lens. It would be interesting to see how they respond to the narrative without comparing it.

There is also a clear difference in the background music and fight choreography. Tamil action films are known for their rhythm, dramatic build up and that heightened tension where the score elevates every punch and movement. Banduan attempts to recreate this energy but some scenes feel less synchronised which affects the momentum. 

To give credit where it is due, a strong example of how impactful a fight sequence can be is seen in Blood Brothers, which executed this perfectly. On the technical side, the CGI did fall short in several moments, especially during the windshield scene which pulled the audience out of the moment. We have seen local films produce impressive CGI before, but in this case it did not quite meet that standard.

The pacing of the storyline remains largely faithful although some transitions felt a little rushed. There were scenes that genuinely stood out such as the Indian influences in Dali's mannerisms and wardrobe which subtly ground the character. 

Impressive attention to detail made the police station set feel alive and thoughtfully designed, drawing you into the world of the film. The lock-up scene naturally built on this, as the kids and the speaker brought a playful touch of nostalgia that landed perfectly. Meanwhile, the actor playing the gangster in the lock-up brought intensity and presence to the scene, making the moment even more memorable.

Datuk Rosyam Nor, Dato Afdlin Shauki and Fadhli Masoot also delivered well timed comedic moments that catered to the local audience without disrupting the tone. These touches made the film feel more rooted and familiar.

Overall, Banduan earns a solid 6.5. It is not flawless and it does not surpass Kaithi for those who have seen the original. However, it respects the narrative it was inspired from and demonstrates a genuine effort to localise without losing its essence. The most significant takeaway is that Banduan marks a milestone as it prepares for a simultaneous release in Canada, the United States and France. That alone reflects growth, ambition and confidence in the Malaysian film industry which deserves acknowledgment.

It may not be perfect, but it is a meaningful step.