Director Joko Anwar's latest psychological horror masterpiece, "Siksa Kubur" (Grave Torture), has sent shivers down the spines of more than 1.4 million cinemagoers within just five days of its release. Anwar himself shared the staggering milestone on Monday via his Instagram page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response.

"Thank you. 1,401,717 people have watched the snake going by without asking permission up until the afternoon of its fifth day [of release]," Joko posted, acknowledging the remarkable turnout for his spine-chilling creation.

The film's gripping narrative revolves around a pivotal scene where a menacing snake slithers into view, adding an extra layer of terror to protagonist Sita's harrowing journey of self-burial to explore the realms of the afterlife and eternal damnation.

"Siksa Kubur" marks Anwar's second foray into horror cinema in recent years, following the tremendous success of 2017's "Pengabdi Setan" (Satan's Slave), which dominated the box office and claimed the title of the year's biggest film.

This latest offering is not merely a standalone project but a testament to Anwar's artistic evolution, originating from a short film he crafted back in 2012. The film's expansion from its humble beginnings to its current blockbuster status underscores Anwar's mastery in weaving captivating narratives that resonate with audiences.

"Siksa Kubur" isn't the only horror sensation captivating Indonesian audiences this holiday season. Joining the ranks of cinematic thrillers is "Badarawuhi Di Desa Penari" (Badarawuhi in the Village of Dancers), the nation's first horror film shot in the IMAX format. Directed by action maestro Kimo Stamboel, "Badarawuhi" recorded an impressive 1.6 million viewers, further solidifying Indonesia's growing appetite for spine-chilling tales on the silver screen.

As the horror genre continues to captivate audiences with its spine-tingling narratives and pulse-pounding suspense, directors like Joko Anwar and Kimo Stamboel stand at the forefront, pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences that linger long after the credits roll.Siksa Kubur's Terrifying Snake Scene Sends Chills Down Audiences' Spines