The unveiling of Abimana Aryasatya as the modern Gundala. (Image via Tribunnewswiki)

Indonesian superheroes universe kicks off with

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Sports & Culture
TV & Film
Sep 04, 2019
2988
Following the huge success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Indonesia wants to give it a go with its local heroes. On Sunday (18/8) last week, BumiLangit, an Indonesian comic publishing company, unveiled its plan to release seven new films for its BumiLangit Cinematic Universe (BCU) First Phase. BumiLangit itself owns about 1,100 rights to its comic characters since 1954.

BCU then started with Gundala, starring Abimana Aryasatya as Sancaka, the real name of the famous lightning powered superhero, Bront Palarae as the infamous villain of the story, Pengkor, and Ario Bayu played Ghazul, one of Gundala’s arch-nemesis. The famous pencak silat choreographer, Cecep Arif Rahman, also played a role in the film as Swara Batin, one of Pengkor's henchmen. Gundala is an adaptation of its titular comic released in 1969 by Harya “Hasmi” Suryaminata.

Directed by Joko Anwar, Gundala focused on the problems and the past of Sancaka before becoming Gundala and how it affects his way as a superhero. Having been planned in 2014, Joko Anwar was then appointed as the director and writer of the film. It was considered as the best decision since Joko Anwar’s name has been rising since its film “Pengabdi Setan”, the remake of the same film in 1982.

Mixed reviews came regarding the film. In terms of CGI and other VFX, Gundala still could not match the brilliance shown by film by Marvel and DC. However, for the majority of movie-goers, Gundala by Joko Anwar is considered a strong start for Indonesian superheroes to rise.

Since its announcement, BCU unveiled big names for its superheroes & superheroines such as Chicco Jericho as Godam, Joe Taslim (currently portraying Sub Zero in Mortal Kombat) as Mandala, Pevita Pearce as Sri Asih, and many rising & experienced actors and actresses more. For the remaining Phase 1, BumiLangit focuses more on Patriot & “Jawara” (Warrior) era.

For the Warrior era, BumiLangit has been preparing “Si Buta dari Gua Hantu” as its starter. Timo Tjahyanto, known for its work “The Night Comes for Us”, was rumored to be appointed as the director of the film. However, when being asked about the main actor & actresses, Anwar could not say much. Joko Anwar also supervises the production of the next films by BCU.

HARD TIME FOR ABIMANA

Despite being appointed as Sancaka & Gundala, Abimana retold the story of how he once hesitated to play the local superheroes known in 1969 with his adventures with Godam and Aquanus.

Abimana Aryasatya started his acting career in 1995 starring in “Lupus”. He won his first award in 2016 as the Most Grossing Actor in Indonesia Movie Award from his acting in “Bulan Terbelah di Langit Amerika”, and as the Best Leading Actor in Indonesian Box Office Movie Award for his work in the remake of Warkop DKI, “Warkop DKI: Jangkrik Boss! Part 1”.

The hard time came for Joko Anwar as he found that Abimana was working on a project when he wanted to offer him the role as Sancaka. For Joko Anwar, Abimana has the correct strong-yet-fragile vibe that makes him suitable.

“I remember telling him (Joko) that I was not down for the money, but I was doing a project at that time. I told him I needed to finish this, then I would join,” said Abimana.

Joko did not give up. He kept persuading Abimana through his close acquaintances, and even his wife. Until one day, Joko texted Abimana the draft for Gundala. Then, the rest is history. For the role, Abimana lost about six kilograms to gain an athletic build.

Abimana referred to working with Joko Anwar as a challenging experience, noting that Joko Anwar puts delicate attention to every small detail. Even body language. For him, it delivers a stronger impact than dialogue.

Why lightning? Abimana kept it secret and told us to just watch the movie. No spoiler.

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/hiburan/20190829193841-234-425912/teror-dari-joko-anwar-saat-abimana-sempat-tolak-gundala

Culture , Film , Indonesia , BumiLangit , BCU , Patriot , Gundala