Director Ariff Zulkarnain navigates two-year censorship process for film Baga

Director Ariff Zulkarnain revealed that his debut film, Baga: Esok Untuk Siapa, underwent a lengthy two-year censorship process with the Film Censorship Board (LPF). Initially, the LPF requested the removal of 16 scenes due to realistic depictions of drug abuse, which authorities feared could disturb public order.

To preserve the film's social realism and original message, Ariff, alongside producer Syafiq Yusof and actor Syafiq Kyle, engaged in multiple rounds of appeals and edits. Through four attempts at revision, the number of required cuts was reduced from 16 to just three scenes.

The film was ultimately approved on the condition that a disclaimer be included, stating that the work does not intend to glorify drug abuse. Ariff noted that the realistic approach was chosen so audiences could understand the true impact of the subject matter.