KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 — In an industry where box-office numbers can decide a film’s fate, Feisk Productions continues to make movies even when the returns are far from spectacular.
Founded in 2010 by brothers Iskandar and Feisal Azizuddin, Feisk Productions began with a simple ambition: to make films independently, using whatever resources were available while constantly improving their craft and telling stories they genuinely believed in.
“From the beginning, we have taken a very independent and resourceful approach to filmmaking, finding ways to create and produce projects with the resources available to us while continuing to develop our craft and tell the stories we want to tell,” Iskandar told Malay Mail.
Taking on unique and bold stories
That independent approach has become a defining feature of Feisk Productions.
While much of Malaysian cinema continues to be dominated by established genres such as horror and action, the company has ventured into science fiction, post-apocalyptic settings and more experimental narratives.
Iskandar, mentioned its partly driven by the limited number of Malaysian films exploring such subjects.
“We explore themes and genres that are uncommon because there is a lack of these kinds of stories in Malaysia, or stories of this nature being told by Malaysians generally.
“From time to time, I’ll come across comments such as, ‘How come there are no Malaysian post-apocalyptic or science-fiction films?’
“By making these types of films, we want audiences to know that these concepts and genres can exist here too, and that Malaysian filmmakers are capable of telling those kinds of stories from our own perspective.”
Tikus! brings a Malaysian twist to Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
Over the past 16 years, Feisk Productions has built an extensive body of work, producing two reality shows, one television series, one documentary, more than 40 short films and nine feature films.
Its feature-film journey began with Suraya (2020), followed by The Tides Will Decide (2020), Kabus (2022), Ceroboh (2022), Bilik Tepi (2023), Tafakur (2024), This Land of Mine (2024), Angkat (2025), and its latest murder mystery, Tikus! , which was released on September 3, 2026.
Tikus! marks another bold move by the production house, bringing an unconventional murder mystery to local cinemas, starring Qiu Qatina, Nicholas Chin, Fattah Fawzy, Harris Andria, Iski Senna, Diana Ooi, Marsha Biddulph, Haiccal Hazim and Roshafiq Roslee.
At its gala premiere on August 20, Malay Mail found the film’s ending unexpected, as the story took a bold and surprising turn.
Writer-director Ellina Abdul Majid said English author Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap inspired the film, after Iskandar suggested that she put her own Malaysian spin on the classic murder mystery.
“It was actually Iskandar who suggested that I write my own take on the famous Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap,” said Ellina.
She said the appeal of the genre lies in getting audiences involved in solving the mystery alongside the characters.
“I guess I can say Tikus! is my homage to Agatha Christie and my love letter to the murder mystery genre.
“At the same time, it is uniquely Malaysian, packed with local jokes and humour that Malaysian audiences will truly appreciate.”
She added that the film also explores themes of patriotism and racial harmony, with subtle details for audiences to discover.
A box-office success, but not the only measure of a film’s worth
Among its films, Suraya is considered its most commercially successful that starred Ainul Aishah.
Feisal said the film was made specifically with the mass market in mind — and audiences responded.
“The film went on to capitalise on key revenue streams — box office, pay-per-view, international cinema release, licensed to a TV channel, and now on a major streaming platform.
“I believe the film was a commercial success because it was exactly what the audience wanted: a film that was easy to digest, a few scares here and there, and starring a popular actress.”
Still, Feisal said the company does not measure success purely by commercial performance.
“Every film has its own journey, so rather than defining one particular production as our most successful, we value the fact that each one has allowed us to tell a story, reach an audience and continue growing as filmmakers,” he added.
The motivation to create more films
With nine feature films under its belt, Feisk Productions has continued creating despite returns that have often been modest.
For the team, the motivation goes beyond box-office numbers.
“That desire to tell different kinds of stories is one of the things that motivates us to continue making films,” said Feisal.
“With our films, we aim to add some variety to Malaysian cinema and introduce audiences to films of different tastes, genres and styles.
“In this way, we hope to contribute towards greater diversity in the kinds of stories that are produced for Malaysian audiences,” he added.
Feisal said keeping budgets flexible, balancing commercially viable projects with passion projects, and recovering costs through film sales, licensing and festival opportunities have helped Feisk continue producing films despite modest returns.
Hope for the Malaysian film industry
While the quality of Feisk’s films may have drawn differing opinions over the years, the team’s passion for filmmaking and commitment to telling stories remain undiminished.
For Feisk, the goal remains simple: to keep making films, telling stories and finding new ways to bring their ideas to audiences.
If anything, Feisk Productions embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking, showing that passion, creativity and determination can keep Malaysian stories alive beyond the mainstream.
Asked about hopes for the Malaysian film industry, Iskandar said he wants Malaysian stories to reach audiences both at home and abroad.
“I hope that one day Malaysian storytelling can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life and across different cultures, both here and abroad.
“More than gaining the attention of any one industry or country, I hope Malaysian stories can resonate with audiences in many nations and be recognised for the unique perspectives, voices and experiences that we have to offer,” he concluded.
