Iko Uwais' Directorial Debut, Film TIMUR Tak Gentar Compete with Avatar in Cinemas

JAKARTA - The Indonesian film industry recorded a bold moment this week. The latest action film titled TIMUR officially premiered simultaneously in all cinemas in the country starting Thursday, December 18, 2025.

In the midst of the siege of Hollywood blockbuster films, TIMUR boldly appeared by directly challenging the dominance of Avatar: Fire and Ash by legendary director James Cameron.

This decision makes TIMUR the only national film that does not shift the release schedule, even though it has to share the screen with the latest Avatar sequel which has been airing since Wednesday, December 17.

While many producers choose to "play it safe" to secure box office figures, Uwais Pictures takes full risks to advance in the same week.

This bold move immediately became the spotlight of the public and the national film industry. The direct competition between local films against the largest film franchise in history is a rare phenomenon in Indonesian cinemas.

The presence of Avatar: Fire and Ash did make the film release map in and outside the country change. However, for the TIMUR production team, the decision to continue to be broadcast is not merely a business strategy, but a statement of attitude regarding the sovereignty of the Indonesian cinema screen.

TIMUR's Executive Producer, Yentonius Jerriel Ho, emphasized that from the beginning the film was not designed to avoid competition.

"We are fully aware of who we are dealing with. Avatar is a world giant film. But TIMUR was made not to hide. Indonesian films must dare to stand side by side on the same screen," said Yentonius when met in Jakarta, Thursday, December 18.

He added, the fight between TIMUR vs Avatar is not only about the number of viewers, but about the confidence of the domestic film industry.

"If every Hollywood film comes, we always get out of the way, then we give up our own screen. TIMUR is a message that the work of the nation's children is not inferior," he said.

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The film TIMUR itself is a new historical record for Iko Uwais. The action actor who has been active in the international arena finally made his debut as a director, and was also cast as the main actor.

Under the banner of Uwais Pictures, TIMUR presents an action genre with intense fight choreography, modern cinematic visuals, and a heroic narrative that is full of values of struggle and nationalism.

"We were born from the womb of fighters. The spirit is clear: keep moving forward, don't back down. TIMUR is not just a film, but a symbol of Indonesian cinema's resistance against Hollywood dominance," added Yentonius.

In line with this, Producer Ryan Santoso said the decision to release the film in the same week as Avatar was a big step that required great courage.

"Avatar is a giant IP with a budget that may be a hundred times the Indonesian film. It's normal that many are not afraid to fight," said Ryan.

Despite having limited resources compared to Hollywood giants, Ryan believes that the support of the Indonesian people will be the main strength.

"It's like a war, just with bamboo spears. We will not back down in fighting for the sovereignty of national cinema. From Indonesia, for the world," he concluded.