Sri Asih (2022 film)

Sri Asih is a 2022 superhero film based on the Bumilangit character of the same name. The film was directed by Upi who co-wrote the screenplay with Joko Anwar. It is the second installment in the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (BCU). And it stars Pevita Pearce as Alana / Sri Asih alongside Reza Rahadian, Christine Hakim, Jefri Nichol, Dimas Anggara, and Surya Saputra.

The film was released theatrically in Indonesia on 17 November 2022. It received five nominations at the 2023 Indonesian Film Festival.

Premise
Alana does not understand why she is always overcome by anger, but she always tries to fight it. She is born during a volcanic eruption that separates her from her parents. She is then adopted by a rich woman who tries to help her live a normal life. As an adult, Alana discovers the truth about her origins that she is not an ordinary human. She can be good or be evil if she cannot control her anger.

Cast

 * Pevita Pearce as Alana / Sri Asih
 * Keinaya Messi Gusti as little Alana
 * Reza Rahadian as Jatmiko
 * Christine Hakim as Eyang Mariani
 * Jefri Nichol as Tangguh
 * Quentin Stanislavski as little Tangguh
 * Dimas Anggara as Kala
 * Surya Saputra as Prayogo Adinegara

Additionally, there are special appearances by Dian Sastrowardoyo as Dewi Api, Najwa Shihab as Nani Wijaya, the first Sri Asih as portrayed in the 1954 film, Maudy Koesnaedi as Dewi Asih. Chicco Jerikho appears as Awang / Godam in the mid-credits scene.

Production
In 2019, Joko Anwar as the creative director of Bumilangit Cinematic Universe confirmed that Pearce would portray Sri Asih for the upcoming BCU project after her first appearance on Gundala. In 2020, Anwar confirmed that a Citra-winning actor would play as the villain in the film, but still unnamed.

Principal photography began on 18 November 2020, after postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic. Later, the filming had been paused in December 2020 after Peace was tested positive for COVID-19. It concluded on 1 April 2021. Najwa Shihab portrayed Nani Wijaya, the first Sri Asih from the 1954 film, which was previously portrayed by Mimi Mariani.

Release
Sri Asih was initially scheduled to be released in November 2020, with production starting seven months prior. However, the plan was scrapped due to a longer and more thorough preparation process.

The film was scheduled to be released theatrically on 6 October 2022, announced by Anwar and Upi during a Twitter Space. The release was postponed once again to 17 November 2022 after Upi's disappointment with the then-final results. It garnered 82,031 admissions on the premiere date and received 570,619 admissions during its theatrical run. The film was also screened at the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam during the Limelight program.