KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial horror drama Dukun has successfully scared up the box office with takings to the creepy tune of RM1.5 million for its first day of screening on Thursday.
According to vice president and head of Astro Shaw, Najwa Abu Bakar, the impressive collection from 120 cinemas in Malaysia and Brunei represents the highest amount so far for the production and distribution company.
In a recent news report she said: "Astro Shaw is happy to announce that Dukun had managed to collect close to RM1.5 million at the box office for its first day of screening. We also received the good news from cinema exhibitors that additional screening locations had opened up for the film bringing the overall total to 133 cinemas so far.”
Based on records, it was reported that the Dain Said-directed Malay horror film had an almost similar first day collection to Skop Productions’ crime action film KL Gangster, which managed a RM1.6 million box office taking in 2011.
Dukun, which stars Datin Seri Umie Aida, Faizal Hussein, Namron, Bront Palarae and Hasnul Rahmat, had courted controversy after it was completed 12 years ago due to its graphic nature and macabre storyline loosely based on an actual sensational incident that was said to contain elements of violence, superstition and had infringed upon the sensitivities of certain parties.
Before its eventual premiere on Thursday, Dukun had been shelved for the longest time and the speculation, rumours and controversy surrounding it had only served to make it a highly-anticipated film for cinemagoers.