19 Indonesian Iconist Songs Presented In Musical Films Who Is He

One of the scenes in the musical film Who is Dia (doc. Ist)

JAKARTA - Who is He is not just a musical film. The latest work of director Garin Nugroho presents Indonesian music celebrations through 19 iconic numbers that are rearranged and sung directly by the cast.

Tayang perdana di bioskop hari ini, Kamis, 28 Agustus, film musik Siapa Dia merupakan lapapan lengkap lengkap bagi para penikmat film layar lebar dan musik populer Indonesia.

Meanwhile, this musical film places Nicholas Saputra as the main actor in playing four characters across the ages. He was accompanied by Amanda Rawles and Widi Mulia, as well as the ranks of female actors across generations of Ariel Tatum, Monita Tahalea, Happy Salma, Joanna Alexandra, Dira Sugandi, Cindy Nirmala, and Gisella Anastasia who brought every era to life.

Behind the story presented on the screen, the selection of 19 songs to be presented in this film also has its own story. Garin Nugroho directly leads the curation of the song.

More than 30 songs were considered at the development stage, until finally selected songs that included classic works, traditional songs, to new numbers. Some of them are also enriched with additional lyrics.

Every song is chosen not only to accompany the story, but to become an emotional pulse of character. I want Indonesian classical music to be relevant today, to be integrated with the feelings of the current generation," Garin Nugroho said in his statement, Thursday.

Meanwhile, Faizal Lubis as a music arranger as well as executive producer added that the new arrangement was presented so that what was presented could be properly captured by the audience.

"We rearranged the songs with contemporary arrangements, so that the audience can at the same time reminisce and feel close," said Faizal. Music is a bridge in history as well as a universal language that binds all generations.

Meanwhile, a number of iconic songs featured in the musical film Siapa Dia, including Nurlela from Bing Slamet sung by Monita Tahalea; Kopral Jono by Ismail Marzuki sung by Gisella Anastasia, Citra from C. Simanjuntak sung by Ariel Tatum, Child Streets' by Guruh Soekarno Putra sung by Dira Sugandi, and Badai Pasti Berlalu by Eros Djarot sung by Nicholas Saputra.

Then, there is the song Sandiwara from God Bless written by Ian Antono and Taufiq Ismail. This song was performed by all cast as the climax of the film

In addition, there are still Kopi Susu, Ajoen-Ajoen, Payung Fantasi, Soleram, to Pop Culture which complements the list of songs displayed to present musical bridges between history and the present generation.

The premiere Gala was also held on August 21, where positive energy can be seen from those who come to watch for the first time.

"It's good to bring a new life to old songs. I really like it," said one audience.

"You can sing along, especially when songs are popular, such as 'Bada Pasti Berlalu', 'Who Is He', and 'Junior Street Boy'," said another audience.

The presence of big Indonesian actors and filmmakers also enlivened the gala premiere. Nova Eliza said, 'Sketches with various storytelling. Very interesting and very Mas Garin. Always has surprises in every story.' Meanwhile, Joko Anwar called this film a statement of love for Indonesian cinema.'