Beloved 'Oki & Nirmala' Characters to Star in New Indonesian Film
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The beloved Indonesian children's magazine "Majalah Bobo" is bringing its "Oki & Nirmala" characters to the big screen.
- Director Hanung Bramantyo will helm the film, with production starting in September and a planned 2027 release.
- The movie aims to be a nostalgic celebration and a way to nurture Indonesian children's imaginations, collaborating with Paragon Pictures and Ideosource Entertainment.
The cherished "Oki & Nirmala" characters from Indonesia's "Majalah Bobo" magazine are set to leap onto the silver screen. Director Hanung Bramantyo will lead the cinematic project, with production commencing in September and an anticipated release in 2027.
This cinematic venture is more than just entertainment; it's a celebration of nostalgia and an effort to rekindle the childhood imaginations of Indonesian children, a legacy woven since April 14, 1973. The film is a collaboration between Paragon Pictures, Ideosource Entertainment, and Grid NetworkโKG Media, the intellectual property owner.
Producers chose "Oki & Nirmala" due to the characters' strong emotional connection with Indonesian families over five decades, viewing them as a national treasure ready for a new interpretation. "We see that there is an opportunity, that there is a message, children's films or family films also get their place. But realizing what kind of family film, that's not easy. We must have good, positive values, that's what we highlight," said producer and executive producer Andi Boediman at a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday (August 22, 2026).
Bringing this beloved fantasy world to life presents a significant challenge, but the team believes the time is right, citing the dynamic growth of the film industry and increased appreciation for family-oriented content. The project aims to deliver a valuable and positive experience for audiences.
We see that there is an opportunity, that there is a message, children's films or family films also get their place. But realizing what kind of family film, that's not easy. We must have good, positive values, that's what we highlight.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.