Olla Ramlan once again proves her dedication to acting through her latest series, Walid (Heaven’s Reign). The series is a continuation of the viral 2025 Malaysian drama Bidaah, and officially premiered on February 26, 2026, on the streaming platform Viu.
But behind the scenes, Olla’s journey was far from glamorous.
A Five-Hour Journey and “Unbelievably” Cold Water
During a press conference in Senayan, Central Jakarta, Olla shared stories about filming in Malaysia. Initially, the shooting location was about an hour from Kuala Lumpur. However, as production progressed, the team had to move to a remote area—requiring up to five hours of travel.
It wasn’t just about the distance. Limited facilities also became a real challenge.
“It was freezing. Cold water, no hot water. We always filmed in the morning. The bathrooms were shared, so we had to line up. No VIP treatment—everyone was equal,” Olla said with a laugh.
There were no special privileges. Cast and crew experienced the same conditions. Ironically, those shared hardships strengthened their bond. Olla described the Malaysian production team as her second family.
Waterfall Scenes and Shouting Over the Noise
One of the toughest scenes required her to bathe under a waterfall located another hour away from basecamp.
The icy water was only part of the challenge. The roaring sound of the waterfall made it difficult for dialogue to be heard.
“Seriously! The cold was unbelievable. I had to deliver lines under the waterfall. The water was so loud, I had to shout. ‘Can you hear me? Can you hear me?’” she recalled.
She also admitted feeling anxious about the possibility of snakes around the location. The combination of wild nature, freezing temperatures, and emotionally demanding scenes tested her physically and mentally.
Playing the Fourth Wife with a Sharp Tongue
In the series, Olla portrays Raras Kartika, Walid’s fourth wife. Her character is layered—slightly sarcastic and condescending on the surface, yet internally restrained due to her background as a cleric’s daughter.
The role contrasts with Olla’s real-life personality. The challenge intensified when her very first scene involved a slap exchange with her on-screen husband.
“My first scene was already a slapping scene. The chemistry hadn’t built yet, but strangely, that moment became our bonding point,” she explained.
Instead of creating distance, the intense emotional scene actually helped establish their connection.
The Only Indonesian on Set
Being the only Indonesian cast member came with its own hurdles. Most of the cast and crew communicated in Malaysian Malay.
“I was the only one from Indonesia. So everyone spoke Malaysian. When they gathered and talked in Malay, I’d say, ‘Okay guys, can we speak Indonesian?’” she said jokingly.
The experience required extra adaptation, but it also became a source of pride. Olla felt honored to be part of an international production.
A Bold Story That Earned a Second Season
According to the production team at Viu Malaysia, the decision to continue the story was driven not only by the first season’s explosive success but also by strong audience demand for bold, thought-provoking narratives.
The second season delves deeper into how distorted beliefs can grow more dangerous when intertwined with ambition and power. While the themes are sensitive, the story is presented in a universal way without targeting any specific group—yet remains highly relevant to today’s audience.
Behind the glamour of the entertainment industry, Olla Ramlan’s journey in Walid (Heaven’s Reign) reveals another side of the actress: enduring freezing water, long journeys, language barriers—and still delivering her best performance.
From shared bathrooms without hot water to shouting dialogue beneath a roaring waterfall, Olla proves one thing: true dedication knows no half measures.
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