Rio Dewanto Nervous to Portray Malin Kundang in a Modern Version

Rio admitted to feeling pressure and a bit nervous, considering that the story of Malin Kundang has been deeply ingrained in Indonesian society for hundreds of years.

"Yes, the challenge might be more about what, this is a modern approach and trying to be relevant to the lives of Indonesian society today. I'm just a bit nervous because this folk tale has been part of Indonesian life for hundreds of years," said Rio Dewanto when met in the Cipete area, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (01/10/2025).

The 38-year-old actor also revealed that his character, Alif, has a unique profession as a micro painter, which means painting on very small media like grains of rice and pebbles. However, he is not required to truly master that skill.

"It just so happens that it has been prepared by the art team. The painting is cool, it's not us who did it. I mean, it's not a requirement for me to study micro painting, no, but at least I should know what the technique is like," he explained.

A similar challenge is also felt by his co-star, Faradina Mufti, who plays Nadine, Alif's wife. According to her, bringing back a well-known legend will spark the audience's curiosity about how big the differences will be presented.

"That's why when there is a legend that wants to be told, recounted, and filmed, it's interesting to see what it will be like. Will the story be exactly the same as what we heard before, or will it be made different while still being relevant to modern life now," said Faradina.

This film is produced by Joko Anwar and Tia Hasibuan, who are committed to nurturing new filmmakers in the Indonesian film industry. The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang is directed by debut duo, Rafki Hidayat and Kevin Rahardjo.

With the main theme of intergenerational trauma, this film invites the audience to delve into the emotional wounds and mysteries surrounding Alif, after an old woman suddenly arrives and claims to be his mother.