Malaysian streaming platform Tonton is counting down to its first Cinema Original – Faizul Jais’ horror film "Dendam Penunggu" – which premieres on 5 November.

The film, which comes three years after owner/operator Media Prima pulled the plug on online subscription services, is the story of five students of Kolej Kebangsaan Malaysia who become victims of a mystical disturbance upon entering a mysterious school block.

The film stars Ismail Izzani, Shalma Eliana, Hasnul Rahmat, Sherry Alhadad, Bella Dowanna and Amerul Affendi.

"Dendam Penunggu" costs RM12.90/US$3 for 48 hours on the TVOD Tonton Cinema platform.

Media Prima’s revamped platform rolled out in March this year with new backend streaming tech licensed from iQiyi. The new service is part of iQiyi’s SAAS initiative. 

Tonton’s latest incarnation offers users a no-commitment option to buy whatever they want without recurring monthly charges.    

"Dendam Penunggu’s" original soundtrack, Sengsara, carries an “anti bullying” message and is performed by Malaysian singer/actor Khai Bahar. 

Media Prima pulled Tonton’s subscription SVOD platform in August 2018, switching to a free streaming service. 

At the time, the company said the economics didn’t make sense, and that it was consolidating all its online video content using YouTube’s Player for Publishers service. The model relied on revenues from programmatic advertising.

Subscribers to Tonton VIP (Tonton’s paid subscription package) in 2018 were refunded on a pro-rated basis.