A controversial gay-themed movie raked in more than RM1 million in its first five days in Malaysia, surprising the producer and critics alike, the Bernama news agency reported today.

‘Dalam Botol’, which translates as ‘In a Bottle,’ opened to packed houses after being cleared by government censors.

The film tells the story of a man who gets a sex change to satisfy his male lover, only to be jilted by that same partner.

NONE The heartbroken protagonist then falls in love with a young woman, but is unable to continue in that relationship due to her sex change.

Producer Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman ( right ) said she was pleasantly surprised that the movie had such strong support from local viewers.

Critics were divided over the story, with some saying it depicted a negative image of homosexuals and transgender people, while others welcomed it as a breakthrough in the strictly censored local film industry.

Raja Azmi said the film neither encourages nor discourages homosexuality, but merely portrays a reality in Malaysian society.

The movie is based on a true story of a friend, she said.

Film censors in Malaysia frown on the depiction of homosexuality, making exceptions in the past only when the gay characters repent or are killed off.

- dpa