Finally Released 'KUNTILANAK 3' Changes Genre to Horror Fantasy, Director Admits Inspired by Traditional Story

Kapanlagi.com - After being delayed for two years due to the pandemic, the horror movie KUNTILANAK 3 is ready to be released in cinemas throughout Indonesia. Unlike the previous two films, the production company has incorporated fantasy elements.

Producer Amrit Punjabi revealed that they did not force the genre to be a horror fantasy. However, there was a gap in the previous films that could be related to this element.

"After watching KUNTILANAK and KUNTILANAK 2, we realized that there was a gap in the film that made us feel like we could incorporate fantasy elements. We made Dinda gain power, because she had to learn how to control it and couldn't learn it on her own, so we made her study it in school. Okay, now we're raising the level to horror fantasy," said Amrit in a press conference at Epicentrum XXI, Rasuna Said area, South Jakarta, on Thursday (4/21/2022).

1. Naturally Incorporating Fantasy Elements

When formulating KUNTILANAK 3, director Rizal Mantovani explained to the producer and screenwriter that there was no need to force fantasy elements if they disturb the story. However, it turned out that everything could blend smoothly.

"When we first made KUNTILANAK 3, we went back to the story that could naturally become a horror fantasy. In other words, we didn't want to force it. The story had to naturally fit into horror fantasy," said Rizal at the same event.

2. Inspired by Traditional Stories

Rizal Mantovani does not deny that what is presented in KUNTILANAK 3 is inspired by foreign films. However, he is also inspired by stories of humans with certain powers that have long existed in Indonesia.

"Yes, we are inspired by Harry Potter or X-Men, but we are also inspired by traditional stories. During research, it turned out that stories of people with powers have been around for a long time. For example, saipi angin, a person who has the power to teleport. Or lembu sikalan, a person who has the power to be immune to objects that want to attack. Or kemamang, a small fireball that can be evil if not controlled. It tends to become evil. From there, we are inspired," explained Rizal Mantovani.

3. Dinda Goes to a Special School

KUNTILANAK 3 tells the story of Dinda, who is sent to a special place called Mata Hati to learn to control her powers. However, at that school, she must once again confront the kuntilanak.

This third film stars child actor Nicole Rossi replacing Sandrinna Michelle, followed by Ciara Brosnan, Ali Fikry, Adlu Fahrezy, and Andryan Bima. In addition to being released in Indonesia on April 30, 2022, KUNTILANAK 3 will also be released in Singapore.

(kpl/abs/dyn)