For The Sake Of The Director's Debut, Iko Uwais Willing To Reject Other Jobs

Eastern Film Player (Virgi/VOI)

JAKARTA The action actor Iko Uwais proved his totality in working on the film Timur, which became his directorial debut.

Not wanting to be half-hearted, Audy Item's husband is willing to refuse a number of other job offers in order to fully focus on the project which he calls his 'baby'.

After poor across as a successful match actor on the national and international arena, Iko felt now was the right moment to try out behind the scenes.

"The time is right for me personally now," said Iko when met at XXI Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta, Thursday, November 6.

Carrying out double roles as the main director and actor gave Iko extraordinary challenges. He admits that the level of stress he faces is very high because all creative decisions, from technical to artistic, lead to him.

Not only communication with players, not only how to take pictures, but also thinking about choreography, wardrobe, film color, to what kind of emotions the mood is. Everything narrowed to me," said Iko.

His dedication was also seen from the busy work schedule while on set. After completing the scene as an actor, he immediately returned to the back of the monitor to ensure the production process went according to his vision.

"My locals don't exist. So the most important crew calls, the last one goes home," he said.

For the sake of East perfection, Iko underwent intensive preparations for six months and firmly rejected several other film offers that came to him.

"Some (films). Honestly, some were rejected, you could say this is my baby and it's my debut (to be a director)," he said.

More than just action films, Iko wants Timur, who is inspired by true stories, to have a strong emotional depth. He mixed the portion of matches and dramas in a balanced manner in order to be able to touch the hearts of the audience.

"It can be said thatvillage, not only for action, not only for beatings, but the taste of slashing, chemistry, and adrenaline is not only physical, but also mental which I also care about," he explained.

The star of The Raid film has high hopes for his first work. He aspired to make East not only a proud spectacle, but also a new legacy and standard for Indonesian cinema.

"I want this film to become an Indonesian heritage film," he said. I want this film to be able to spread positive news and raise a sense of nationalism, a work that will make my children proud," concluded Iko.

Produced by Uwais Pictures, Timur will hit theaters throughout Indonesia starting December 18, 2025. The film stars Iko Uwais, Jimmy Kobogau, Macho Hungan, Aufa Assagaf, Billy Bizael Tanasale, Beyond Destiano, Stefan William, AmaraMINA, and Yusuf Mahardika.