Directed by Afdlin Shauki
Starring Afdlin Shauki, Nasha Aziz, Hans Isaac, AC Mizal, Patrick Teoh, Syanie, Sharifah Shahira, Harith Iskander, Aziz M. Osman, Ako Mustafa, Adibah Noor, Wahid Senario, Harun Salim Bachik, Ramlah Ram

SINCE childhood, Nordin has been bullied mercilessly on account of his large physique. During his adolescent years, Nordin learns to grapple with his bullies.

Afdlin, who directed this sequel to his multiple award-winning comedy Buli (2003) returns as Nordin, the successful computer genius working at Michaelsof Corporation, owned by Tan Sri Michael (Teoh).

The movie opens with the good-hearted Nordin accompanying the bully of his childhood days Roy (Hans) to the hospital. There Nordin learns that Roy’s chances of survival are slim.

Six months after the incident, Nordin hits the headlines as the winner in Siapa Salah Kena Karan, a game show which, coincidentally, is a hit among the inmates in a prison where the vicious Rudy (AC Mizal) is imprisoned. Rudy recognises Nordin as the man from the scene of Roy’s accident, which resulted from a heist gone awry when Rudy tried to escape but is caught by the police. Rudy plans his escape so he can take his revenge on Roy and anyone else who played a part in his capture.

Meanwhile, Nordin, who is still undergoing therapy with Dr Kam (Harith) is shocked when he bumps into Roy at the hospital sees that he is still alive.

One Dr Selina informs Nordin that Roy is suffering from amnesia and the only one who can jolt his memory is him.

Will Rudy succeed in his vendetta? And will Nordin really help Roy or use this opportunity to get his own back at Roy?

Buli Balik isn’t as entertaining as Buli but it does have its moments. It’s raunchy, quirky humour; nothing outlandish or excessive.

The real strength of the film is in its handling of the issues and how it explores the dynamics of bullying and its consequences.

As for the cast, they provide the necessary star billing, especially Afdlin, who as Nordin, escapes his sorry state by sacrificing his own ego to help a sick friend. While he draws laughter easily with, for instance, the series of his confessions — particularly the one about his dream to wed the beautiful Dr Ika (Nasha) during his therapy with Dr Kam — he is equally adept at making you feel his pain and misery.

Kudos to Afdlin and Nasha who have great on-screen chemistry.

Nordin’s friends Shaff (Ako) and Farah (Syanie) expressive acting in some of the hilarious scenes provide a good backdrop for Dr Ika and Nordin’s feelings.

The funny Teoh, who made us fall off our seats laughing in Buli, rises to the occasion yet again in this sequel. Singer Adibah (Noor) who tickled us in Yasmin Ahmad’s Sepet was also convincing as the over-the-top host of the wacky gameshow Siapa Salah Kena Karan.

Oh yes, look out for a cameo appearance by singer Ramlah (Ram), who provides comic relief especially during the intense confrontation between Nordin and Rudy.

Buli Balik is a realistic, irreverent and moving movie with a theme that's suitable for the entire family. - Review by Hafidah Samat