Is there only one true religion and how does one know if one’s faith is “right”?
Against the backdrop of conservative Malaysia, people often refrain from discussing these topics openly, if at all. That is why this film, directed by Khairi Anwar and produced by Tan Meng Kheng, might be shocking for some.
One thing is certain: “Mentega Terbang” goes against convention.
The magic of the movie is in how these questions are posed through a genuinely inquisitive Aisyah, a 15-year-old whose mother is dying from cancer. Most people do not like to confront the question of where one ends up after death – unless a terminal illness enters the picture.
Here, Aisyah is simply searching for answers for her peace of mind. Her parents are open-minded and give room for their daughter to ask the tough questions, in the hope she will eventually discover what she truly believes in.
Of note is how a young person is given the freedom to ask so-called “taboo” questions to help them mature.
The film has a diverse team of scriptwriters including director Khairi, Arjun Thanaraju, Visshnu Varman, and Ti Teng-Hui, as well as a multiracial team.
By its end the movie, don’t expect to have all the answers – Khairi appears to treat his audience with respect as he expects them to arrive at their own conclusions.
As the curious Aisyah, preparing herself for eventual loss and grief, Syumaila Nur Rania Salihin is delightful and capable of making you shed a tear or two during her more emotional scenes.
Co-writer Arjun’s portrayal of her good friend Suresh will certainly keep you entertained with his honest and comical answers. Indeed, their chemistry is one of the highlights in this movie as he supports her on her journey.
Firdaus Karim and Nik Waheeda, meanwhile, play Aisyah’s loving and supportive parents to great effect.
The character of Uncle Kasim (Khairunazwan Rodzy), Aisyah’s nosy but well-meaning neighbour, is an interesting one. Although presented as comic relief, he gives the audience an opportunity to reflect on certain conservative perspectives that exist in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the churchgoing Aunty Esther, who lives in Aisyah’s neighbourhood, is warm and motherly, serving to provide viewpoints of a different religion without encroaching on Aisyah’s own beliefs.
Regrettably her portrayer, Shyamala Kandapper, is rather stiff in the role, although all in all, the film has a solid ensemble.
“Mentega Terbang” takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, keeping viewers in laughter one minute and tears the next. It lingers in your mind long after you’ve watched it thanks to its accurate reflection of the fabric of Malaysian society, especially when it comes to the purportedly “sensitive” topics of race and religion.
For those who are wondering, “Mentega Terbang” is the direct and literal translation of “butterfly” – the creature being referenced in a conversation between Aisyah and her mother about reincarnation.
And just as a butterfly is seen as a symbol of change and rebirth, it appears “Mentega Terbang” seeks to challenge one’s thinking and change mindsets when it comes to values and faith.
The scenes with Aisyah and her parents discussing other religions in a completely carefree manner might not seem very realistic, but they do leave you wondering: could this possibly be true behind closed doors?
Catch the final screenings of ‘Mentega Terbang’ in the Klang Valley from Dec 17-19 at GMBB, Kuala Lumpur, before it moves on to other states. For tickets, click here.
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