Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo has decided to remove content creator Kiki Darling from his upcoming film *Ah Boys To Firefighters* after discovering the actor’s past conviction for sexual assault. The production team plans to recast the role and reshoot scenes initially filmed with Darling, whose real name is Hari Kishen Balakrishnan.
Darling, 24, was announced on August 31 as one of four new lead actors for the film, following an open casting call in June that attracted over 1,000 candidates. However, the production team only became aware of Hari’s criminal record on September 8 after information about the case surfaced online. A spokesperson for the film confirmed the team was surprised by the revelation, as none of the crew had known about Hari’s prior conviction when he was cast.
After discussions, Hari agreed to step down from the role of Ramesh Menon, one of four national servicemen posted to the same fire station in the film. The spokesperson stated that the decision was influenced by the potential reputational risks associated with keeping him in a prominent role. They added that the planned changes were not expected to significantly affect the movie’s scheduled release.
Hari was previously sentenced in 2021 to at least six months of reformative training after pleading guilty to sexual assault by penetration and making an obscene film. The incidents occurred in November 2020 following a drinking session involving Hari and a 23-year-old male victim. A molestation charge was taken into consideration during sentencing. The District Judge at the time emphasized the importance of rehabilitation for young offenders while noting the seriousness of the offences.
The film, currently shooting at Punggol Fire Station, is slated for release during the Chinese New Year period in February 2027. It centers on four national servicemen who serve at the same fire station and navigate the challenges of fear, trauma, guilt, and responsibility inherent in emergency response. The movie reunites several actors from Neo’s previous *Ah Boys To Men* franchise, including Tesh Zhang, Maxi Lim, and Noah Yap, who portray senior firefighters mentoring the recruits.
Neo has previously expressed his intention to create a cast that more accurately reflects the ethnic composition of the Singapore Civil Defence Force. In response to the incident, the production team has pledged to strengthen casting vetting procedures moving forward. The spokesperson noted that all future cast members will be reminded of the importance of truthfulness in their declarations and the consequences of any undisclosed issues.