Local film ‘Chelot’ earns MBR recognition with 5-minute action sequence

KUALA LUMPUR: Adrian Teh’s upcoming action film “Chelot” has made film history after earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the longest single-take action sequence in a movie.

The production was recognised for an unedited action sequence filmed with a single camera over a distance of 1.9km, running for 5 minutes and 19 seconds.

In a statement today, the production team described the achievement as a rare feat in the local film industry, requiring exceptional technical precision and coordination.

According to the team, the sequence involved 300 crew members, 150 days of preparation, 60 hours of rehearsals and 50 prop vehicles.

Single-take action scenes are widely regarded as among the most demanding sequences in filmmaking, requiring actors, stunt performers, camera operators and technical crews to execute every movement flawlessly without the aid of editing.

Any mistake can force an entire scene to be restarted from the beginning.

The technique has been used memorably in Hollywood films such as “Children of Men”, “1917” and “Extraction”, where long uninterrupted shots are designed to heighten tension and immerse audiences in the action.

For Teh, the project marks a return to the action genre after 2022’s “Malbatt: Misi Bakara”, one of Malaysia’s most ambitious military films. The director is also known for action hits such as “Paskal” and “Wira”.

In the statement, Teh said his latest film was not simply an attempt to revisit familiar territory. “My return to the action genre is about giving audiences something new,” he said.

Produced by ACT 2 Pictures, Golden Screen Cinemas, Astro Shaw, SunStrong Entertainment and Marvelous Culture & Film, “Chelot” stars Beto Kusyairy and Shukri Yahaya. It is scheduled to open in cinemas in August.