Who plays Rosa in 'Telegram'?

JAKARTA: Slamet Rahardjo's drama flick Telegram will hit the big screen on May 8, five years after it was made in 1997.

The long wait has blurred the memory of its main actors, Ayu Ashari (photo) and Desy Ratnasari, about the role they play in the movie. They appeared as speakers in the film's launching and preview of Telegram at Cinema 21 Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

Participants in the discussion were confused when Ayu and Desy both claimed to play the role of Rosa.

"As far as I can recall, there is only one Rosa in the film and it was me," said Ayu, a former model, looking to co-star Sujiwo Tejo, for confirmation.

Curious, Ayu picks up a synopsis and says, "Yes, I am Rosa and Desy is Sinta's mother," said the actress who won the Citra award for best supporting actress in Dua Kekasih (Two lovers) and the Vidia Award for her acting in several local TV series.

Telegram is based on Putu Wijaya's novel of the same title. The film portrays the life of a reporter, named Daku (Sujiwo), foster father of Sinta (Mira Ayudhia). Daku seeks a new life and meets Rosa (Ayu), his fantasy lover. --JP