PASKAL: The Movie (2018), directed by Adrian Teh, is a gripping military action film based on the true missions of Malaysia’s elite naval special forces unit, Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL). More than just an action spectacle, it’s a rare Southeast Asian war film that celebrates real heroism with national pride and cinematic intensity.
The story follows Lieutenant Commander Arman Rahmat (Hairul Azreen), a top-tier PASKAL operative, torn between duty and family. As the team is deployed across dangerous global missions—including an intense rescue operation on a hijacked oil rig—Arman faces his greatest challenge: confronting a former comrade turned rogue mercenary.
What sets PASKAL apart is its authenticity. The film was made with the cooperation of the Malaysian Armed Forces, and it shows. From military protocols to combat choreography, the action feels grounded and precise. The weapons, gear, and tactics reflect the real-life operations these soldiers undertake, far from the spotlight.
But PASKAL doesn’t just deliver high-caliber firefights—it explores the emotional weight behind the uniform. The struggle between sacrifice and personal loss, the bond between brothers-in-arms, and the hidden cost of protecting a nation are all present. Hairul Azreen leads with both physical presence and emotional depth, balancing silent strength with vulnerability.
For Malaysian cinema, PASKAL was a game-changer—proving local action films could match international standards in both storytelling and production value.
Because behind every mission,
There’s a name, a face,
And a promise to protect at all costs.
