Excitingly Unraveling the Theme 'The Ups and Downs of Indonesian Superheroes that Captivate Fans' at Movie Talk Event

Kapanlagi.com - The Movie Talk Event held together with the Broscast Podcast & The Heroes Event community on Saturday (23/9/2023) was exciting with interesting discussions about Superheroes. As we know, Superheroes have rapidly developed in recent decades, following various trends and social dynamics in society. They have emerged in various variations, from standalone films to a series of films that connect many characters and plots continuously.

Even after the pandemic, it has further developed by exploring the concept of a multiverse. This hype is also followed by the production of domestic Superhero films, which aim to satisfy the audience's enthusiasm for superhero action. Starting from Gundala as a popular character, Gatotkaca adapting mythological epic, to many other imaginative characters inspired by other popular figures.

1. Compared to Foreign Superheroes

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Although it was dormant in the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, Indonesian superheroes have been trying to rise in the past decade. However, unfortunately, the emergence of domestic superheroes has not been able to satisfy the thirst for this hero's action.

Whether we like it or not, viewers often compare them to foreign superheroes, who are already established and more mature in various aspects. Starting from technical aspects, character maturity, to plot. The biggest criticism often arises, not only about the special effects used, but also about the plot that is felt to be too dense, yet lacking in explanation of motivation. And it is considered too segmented towards adult viewers.

2. Challenges of Indonesian Superheroes

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From this premise, the discussion of MOVIE TALKS begins. Trying to explore what actually becomes the obstacles, challenges, and future of superheroes in the action genre. We present RAHABI MANDRA as the writer of the film 'SATRIA DEWA: GATOTKACA', to find out what actually causes the various concerns.

And hearing the analysis of SHANDY GASELLA, as a film curator, in looking at Indonesian superheroes. In the discussion, it was finally revealed that one of the major problems of Indonesian superheroes is the production cost, which is far behind compared to foreign superhero films.

This problem becomes the basis because it greatly affects the production budget, which is closely related to the final result of the work. Rahabi explained that often superhero films are made with in-depth research, adjustments to the evolving popular culture, but are not maximally executed due to production cost issues.

3. Lack of Character Differentiation

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In addition, Indonesian superheroes are also called Rahabi, still looking for an authentic signature pattern that can differentiate them from foreign superheroes. This is also agreed upon by Shandy, who considers that Indonesian superheroes still lack differentiation in their characters, which makes the audience less interested in watching, especially in the cinema, because many of these things have already been obtained from foreign superheroes.

In addition, according to Shandy, Indonesian superheroes are too eager to include many characters, both antagonists and protagonists, just like the concept of the large universe of MCU & DCU.

4. Seeking Alternatives

Of course, this discussion is not meant to judge Indonesian superhero presentations, but to seek alternative narratives in order to advance superhero presentations that can be loved by the audience and become hosts in their own country. Several alternatives have emerged, even from the participants of the discussion; that Indonesian superheroes may need to develop other aspects to attract the attention of the audience. Like comedy or horror elements, which are currently popular in Indonesian society.

So talking about superheroes is not just about action and fighting, but also about humor or exploring mystical elements that are also abundant in the beliefs of Indonesian communities. Can this be successful? No one can guarantee it. Of course, this also requires the patience of the audience to continue providing input so that Indonesian filmmaking, especially superheroes, can continue to develop. Not only demanding and criticizing, but also constructive suggestions, so that Indonesian superheroes can be even better.

(kpl/rsp)