Sidharta Tata's Action Film Debut in Ikatan Darah Combines Hollywood Standards with Local Wisdom

Director Sidharta Tata has officially ventured into the action film genre with his latest film titled Ikatan Darah. After previously succeeding with the serial Pertaruhan, Tata described this film as a long-held ambition that has finally gained momentum for realisation.

“When I first made films, my aim was to create an action film, but the opportunity never materialised, so I channelled that desire through another medium, namely serialised television,” Tata explained during a press conference for the release of a clip and poster at Plaza Senayan on Wednesday, 11 March.

In his debut, Tata emphasised the importance of strict disciplinary systems during the production process. He acknowledged learning extensively about applying world film industry standards within the context of Indonesian cinema.

“I learned a great deal about how to implement disciplinary systems in making action films, how to apply Hollywood standards within the film. All of this became invaluable learning,” he stated.

The transition from intuition-based directing towards more mature technical approaches was also facilitated by international action actor Iko Uwais. Through collaboration with Uwais’s team, Tata began implementing proper technical guidance, from actor preparation, optimising pace, to managing action sequences in meticulous detail.

Iko Uwais added that his team prepared storyboards as a guide before filming commenced to minimise complications during the execution of action sequences on set.

“There are several techniques taught by Iko that subsequently helped me discover how to maintain the energy of the actors,” Tata added.

A notable feature of Ikatan Darah is the absence of modern firearms such as pistols. Instead, the film extensively features the use of sharp weapons such as machetes.

Tata made this decision based on cultural background and his empirical experience as a regional native.

“Indonesian culture during my time existed in a world of that nature—I never knew pistols. From what I observed based on my empirical experience, sharp weapons, whatever their form—machetes and so forth—are authentic,” he explained.

Tata also provided space for actors to explore their characters organically. Abdurrahman Arif, who plays the character Boris, said he was given freedom to adjust his costume and weapons.

“The machete was eventually replaced with a lawn-cutting blade,” Arif stated.

Similarly, Teuku Rifnu Wikana, who plays the character Pastor named Primbon, mentioned conducting extensive research with the costume design team to ensure the accuracy of his character’s appearance without abandoning film aesthetics.

Ikatan Darah is scheduled to reach audiences in cinemas from 30 April 2026.