Finally, an Indonesian comedy film has arrived after weeks of romantic dramas and horror dominating the big screen. Modal Nekad, directed by Imam Darto, marks his debut as a director after previously being known as a writer. Featuring a star-studded cast often seen in comedy, along with cameos from familiar faces, Modal Nekad has the potential to easily grab the audience’s attention. The film stars Gading Marten, Tara Budiman, Fatih Unru, Bucek Depp, and Sahila Hisyam.
The story revolves around three brothers—Saipul (Marten), Jamal (Budiman), and Marwan (Unru)—who face financial troubles after their father’s death, leaving behind a mountain of debt. Jamal, the street-smart middle brother, proposes stealing a flat-screen TV from a wealthy household. Initially hesitant, Saipul and Marwan are eventually forced to agree. They drug Rosma (Hisyam), Jamal’s girlfriend who works in the house, to execute their plan. However, things spiral out of control when they discover the house belongs to Salsa (Depp), a feared mafia boss who controls local parking rackets. Can they escape undetected?
The film’s premise is one that has been used countless times: a group of people sets out to take a risky action, only for unexpected complications to arise, escalating the danger. It’s a standard trope in heist or robbery-themed movies. So, does this film stand out in any way? Not really. The storyline is predictable, and the plot twists are average. As with most heist films, things never go as planned, and the drama lies in how the characters deal with the chaos.
The main characters have distinct traits: the indecisive eldest brother, the reckless middle sibling, and the flexible yet emotional youngest. Their dynamics are engaging enough, but watching them plan and strategize their way out of trouble feels like something we’ve seen before.
Interestingly, the supporting characters, Salsa and Rosma, leave a stronger impression. Salsa, the dangerous mafia boss with four loyal henchmen, exudes charisma and menace, much like typical mafia leaders. Rosma, however, is a standout. As Jamal’s girlfriend who is used as part of the plan, she remains loyal and intelligent, ultimately becoming the key player in saving everyone. She’s bound to be a fan favorite.
Another highlight is the inclusion of two police officers who genuinely try to resolve the situation. Unlike many films where law enforcement is either laughably incompetent or easily fooled, these officers add a refreshing touch by actually upholding justice and attempting to save the day.
The final question: Is this film funny? Unfortunately, not quite. While some jokes landed well with the audience in the theater, others fell flat. That said, the film does feature clever, almost fourth-wall-breaking humor, with jokes tailored to the comedic sensibilities of today’s younger generation. These moments do manage to deliver some genuine laughs.
