KUALA LUMPUR: Versatile actor Kamal Adli is now a reluctant hero who is forced to confront an evil wizard, Harry Potter style.
And the deadly sorcerer is veteran actor Aqasha Rosli, in his most menacing role to date.
Video streaming service Viu and film production company Infinitus Productions have brought both actors together in Nafsu, Viu's first original series depicting a superhuman who uses his powers to combat a dangerous villain.
Boasting a star-studded cast also comprising Azira Shafinaz Ramlan, Khayrisyah Kemal, Nia Atasha, Ellie Suriaty Omar, Vanidah Imran and Fahrin Ahmad among others, it marks Viu's 26th original series.
The 8-episode supernatural thriller which premieres today tells the story of Sam (Kamal) who makes a living pretending to be a mystic healer.
With his special assistant Suria (Nia), they target gullible upper class clients in cases involving black magic and the spirit world.
In reality, Sam actually possesses a sixth sense and was once taught to perform exorcism.
However he has chosen not to use his powers due to a past tragedy in which he accidentally killed a friend.
When Sam's former girlfriend Dina (Azira) seeks his help to find her missing younger sister Alia (Khayrisyah), Sam reluctantly embraces his gift to help her.
Alia's disappearance, as it turns out, is the beginning of a bigger threat which involves a mysterious cult led by the enigmatic Gusti (Aqasha).
Sam, Dina and Suria go on a mission to fight Gusti and save Alia, as well as the many other victims who have mysteriously disappeared as a result of his black magic.
At the series' launch in The Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, Jalan Tun Razak here yesterday, Viu Malaysia development director Steven Lim said: "Building on our previous successes with acclaimed thrillers like Hilang and Nenek Bongkok Tiga, we are proud to bring Malaysians our latest title that will captivate fans of thrillers and horrors.
"With its immersive story settings, suspenseful narrative and compelling characters, Nafsu is a worthy addition to our slate."
Lim said that Nafsu took viewers on an unforgettable journey across a diverse array of filming locations from the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil landscapes of Janda Baik and the culturally vibrant Batu Caves.
"The cinematography skilfully captures the play of light and darkness, infusing the series with depth and suspense.
"And the production team went to great lengths to ensure authencity, capturing the essence of the neighbourhood featured in the series."
Nafsu is directed by Sein Qudsi of Ruffedge fame, and is the third Viu Original series.
He previously directed the Malaysian edition of the hit Korean series Black which earned him Best Director at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2021, and the investigative thriller Hilang in 2022.
Sein also composed Kala Tiba, the haunting theme song of Nafsu performed by Marsha Milan Londoh.
Kamal said that Nafsu was centred on Malay mythology and inspired by Keanu Reeves' 2005 film Constantine.
Kamal added: "We worked 17 to 22 hours a day to complete the 8 episode series.
"It took 50 days to wrap up in December 2023.
"There was great team work and the most spectacular part of this series is having various people floating towards the sky!"