Agak Laen

Last updated
Agak Laen
Agak Laen film poster.jpg
Theatrical poster
Directed by Muhadkly Acho
Screenplay by Muhadkly Acho
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyArfian
Edited by Ryan Purwoko
Music byOfel Obaja Setiawan
Production
companies
Distributed byPrathyangira Cinemas (United States)
Release dates
  • February 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)(Indonesia)
  • February 29, 2024 (2024-02-29)(Malaysia & Brunei Darussalam)
  • March 22, 2024 (2024-03-22)(United States)
Running time
119 minutes
CountryIndonesia
LanguageIndonesian

Agak Laen (literally A Little Bit Different) is a 2024 Indonesian comedy horror film directed and written by Muhadkly Acho. The film was produced by Dipa Andika and Ernest Prakasa with Imajinari and Jagartha production companies. It starred Bene Dion, Boris Bokir, Oki Rengga, and Indra Jegel as a group of friends who started a haunted house business, and featuring Tissa Biani, Indah Permatasari, Arie Kriting, and Mamat Alkatiri.

Contents

Agak Laen was released in Indonesian cinemas on February 1, 2024. [1] Agak Laen was a huge commercial success, watched by over 9 million viewers, making it the highest-grossing film of 2024 [2] and became the second highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time, [3] [4] before finally being overtaken by Jumbo on May 10, 2025. [5]

A sequel with independent storyline, Agak Laen: Menyala Pantiku! was released on November 27, 2025.

Plot

Bene, Boris, Oki, and Jegel own and operate a ghost house walkthrough at a fun fair. They consistently struggle to attract visitors because the haunted house is not scary enough. One day, they decide to renovate the house and transform it into a more thrilling attraction. Unfortunately, this decision leads to the death of a well-known politician who suffers a heart attack. Fearing the consequences, the four young men bury the body inside the haunted house. The spirit of the deceased man haunts the place, providing visitors with a new experience of fear and causing the attraction to go viral. Meanwhile, the police investigate the disappearance of the politician.

Cast

Cameo

Production

Background

The project originated from YouTube podcast titled Agak Laen, hosted by Boris Bokir, Indra Jegel, Oki Rengga, and Bene Dion. The program was later adapted into a feature film by Imajinari Pictures, a production company owned by Ernest Prakasa. The negotiation process began during one podcast episode featuring Ernest as a guest, in which the four hosts attempted to realize their plan to make a film by persuading him that their story would achieve significant commercial success if adapted for the screen, including the promise of reaching one million viewers. Ernest ultimately agreed to develop the film. [6]

Agak Laen is the third film produced by Imajinari, following Missing Home (2022) and Falling in Love Like in Movies (2023). It is also regarded as the first feature-length film to be adapted from a podcast originally based on audio conversation. The project marked Imajinari’s first collaboration involving external intellectual property. Producers Ernest Prakasa and Dipa Andika stated that their confidence in producing the film was rooted in their belief in the strong chemistry among the four lead performers, which Dipa described as a crucial element in film production. [7] Ernest also requested that the members of Agak Laen contribute as executive producers and invest in the film. [8] According to Ernest, Agak Laen was the most expensive production undertaken by Imajinari compared to its previous films. [9]

For the director, Ernest and Bene were initially planned to serve as directors. However, Ernest declined, citing ongoing projects that prevented him from taking on a directorial role, while Bene agreed only to act and was unwilling to direct. Imajinari subsequently decided to seek another candidate and ultimately appointed Muhadkly Acho as director as well as screenwriter, based on his track record in the film Gara-Gara Warisan and the series Induk Gajah. [10]

Screenwriting

Agak Laen adopts the horror-comedy genre, with a premise centered on a haunted house attraction. The members of Agak Laen had previously considered several story premises in the event that the film was approved, ultimately developing three potential concepts. These premises were then discussed in greater depth with Ernest, who became interested in the haunted house–themed story. Acho acknowledged that he was not involved until the premise had been selected. He accepted the premise after being chosen as screenwriter and tasked with developing the initial idea further. The development of the story and character design took approximately two months. Once the script was completed, the cast proceeded to the script reading stage. [11]

Acho stated that Agak Laen is relatively unique in terms of its screenwriting process. Unlike the films he had previously written, the characters in this film were already well defined from the outset, as the principal cast members possessed distinctive, established personas. As a result, his task primarily involved integrating these preexisting character traits into the screenplay. In writing the script, Acho drew extensively on narrative patterns that frequently emerge in the Agak Laen podcast. [12]

Characterization

Agak Laen adopts a character concept similar to that used by Warkop DKI in their films. The four performers portray characters bearing their real names. This approach was previously employed by the comedy group Warkop DKI during its dominance of Indonesian cinema, in which Dono, Kasino, and Indro consistently played themselves, even though their characters were adapted to suit the narrative of each film. Ernest stated that this concept had to be applied because Agak Laen sudah was already well known as a podcast and each member possessed a strong, recognizable persona, making it impractical to change the characters’ names in the film. However, the characterization of the four members of Agak Laen may evolve if the story continues. [13] [14]

Filming

Prior to principal photography, the production team undertook approximately five months of preparation, while the cast participated in script readings for three weeks. [15] [16] Filming took place over 18 days in September 2023. With a night market serving as the primary setting, the production constructed the night market set from scratch on an open field in Depok, Jawa Barat. Accordingly, the shooting schedule ran from afternoon until morning to accommodate the night market backdrop. [17]

Music

Agak Laen features a theme song of the same title, popularized by the four members of Agak Laen. The song "Agak Laen" was released in 2021, with lyrics written by the group’s members. [18]

Soundtrack

TitleSingerProducerProduction
"Agak Laen"Bene Dion, Boris Bokir, Indra Jegel, Oki Rengga

Release

Theatrical

Agak Laen was released in Indonesian cinemas on 1 February 2024 with a 13+ age classification. [19] The film was deliberately scheduled for release 14 days prior to the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, with the intention of easing public tension ahead of the vote. [20] Agak Laen officially concluded its theatrical run after 98 days in cinemas. [21] To mark the end of its exhibition, a special group screening event was held at XXI Epicentrum, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on 26 May 2024. [22]

Agak Laen was also screened in overseas cinemas. On 7 March 2024, the film premiered in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, [23] followed by its release in Singapore on 14 March 2024. Antenna Entertainment, acting as the distributor for the Southeast Asian region, subsequently sought to expand its distribution network through its partners by releasing the film in the United States. [24] Agak Laen opened in 13 cinemas across the United States on 22 March 2024, [25] making it the first Indonesian film to be released in the United States that year. [26]

Video on Demand

Agak Laen became available on the Netflix on 31 May 2024. [27]

Reception

Box office

Since its theatrical release in Indonesia on 1 February 2024, the film attracted 1,000,000 viewers within its first four days of screening. Within one week, total attendance reached 2,000,000. [28] [29] On the 10th day of broadcast, this film received 3,000,000 viewers with the highest number of daily viewers reaching more than 500,000 people. [30]

On 16 February 2024, Agak Laen entered the top ten highest-grossing Indonesian films of all time, surpassing Pengabdi Setan, Habibie & Ainun, Laskar Pelangi, and Sewu Dino after reaching 5,000,000 viewers. After 24 days of exhibition, on 24 February 2024, the film exceeded 7,000,000 viewers and became the highest-grossing Indonesian comedy film, overtaking Warkop DKI Reborn: Jangkrik Boss! Part 1 which had recorded 6,858,616 viewers. This achievement also positioned Agak Laen as the second highest-grossing Indonesian film of all time, behind KKN di Desa Penari which recorded 10,061,033 viewers. [31] After 98 days in cinemas, Agak Laen accumulated a total of 9,125,188 viewers. In recognition of this achievement, the film received a special award for “Comedy Film with the Highest Audience Attendance” at the 2024 Anugerah Komedi Indonesia. [32] [33]

Remake

Ernest Prakasa announced plans to produce a sequel on the same day Agak Laen concluded its theatrical run. [34] He confirmed that Agak Laen 2 would present a new story rather than serve as a direct continuation of the first film. [35] Oki Rengga revealed that the sequel already has a projected timeline and is expected to enter production in 2025. He also stated that Agak Laen 2 would not be rushed in order to maintain the film’s quality. [36]

Baruson E&A, the film company behind Oscar-winning Parasite, planned to adapt the film in Korean. [37]

References

  1. ↑ Milagsita, Anindya (February 5, 2024). "Sinopsis Film Agak Laen, Kisah Horor-Komedi Empat Penjaga Rumah Hantu". Detik.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  2. ↑ Santika, Erlina F. (2024-05-13). "Tembus 9 Juta Penonton, "Agak Laen" Jadi Film Terlaris Indonesia 2024". Databoks.
  3. ↑ Azzahrina, Elmira Aubyn (2024-05-10). "Jadi Film Terlaris Sepanjang Masa Ke-2 di Indonesia, 'AGAK LAEN' Resmi Umumkan Akan Produksi Sekuel". Kapanlagi. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  4. ↑ Gayatri, Allysa Salsabillah Dwi (2024-05-11). "Film horor komedi Agak Laen pecahkan rekor raih 9 juta penonton". Detik. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  5. ↑ Kristianti, Livia (2025-06-02). "Film JUMBO terlaris di Indonesia kalahkan KKN di Desa Penari". Antara News Mataram. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  6. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2023-09-01). "Berawal dari Podcast, Agak Laen Akhirnya Diangkat Jadi Film". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  7. ↑ "Produser Ungkap Alasan Yakin Produksi Film Agak Laen". Kumparan.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  8. ↑ "Produseri Film Agak Laen, Ernest Prakasa Minta Hal Ini ke Para Pemain". Tempo.co . Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  9. ↑ Parapuan.co. "Agak Laen Jadi Film Termahal Imajinari Pictures, Ini Kata Ernest Prakasa - Parapuan". Parapuan.co (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  10. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2023-09-01). "Ernest Prakasa dan Bene Dion Tolak Sutradarai Film Agak Laen". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  11. ↑ "Awal Mula Cerita Kocak Agak Laen Tercipta". CNN Indonesia . Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  12. ↑ Hypeabis. "Hypeabis - Meramu Naskah Komedi Ala Muhadkly Acho dalam Film Agak Laen". Hypeabis.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  13. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2023-09-01). "Film Agak Laen Adopsi Konsep Warkop DKI". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  14. ↑ Times, I. D. N.; Priwiratu, Elizabeth Chiquita Tuedestin. "⁠Ernest Prakasa Ngaku Film Agak Laen Terinspirasi Warkop DKI". IDN Times (in In-Id). Retrieved 2024-09-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  15. ↑ Times, I. D. N.; Dwi, Juan. "5 Fakta di Balik Film Agak Laen, Indra Jegel Sampai Diinfus!". IDN Times (in In-Id). Retrieved 2024-09-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  16. ↑ "Boris Bokir Cerita Serunya Syuting Film Agak Laen : Okezone Celebrity". Okezone Celebrity. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  17. ↑ antaranews.com (2023-12-13). "Komika Agak Laen ungkap sejumlah tantangan selama syuting film". Antara News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  18. ↑ "Lirik Lagu 'Agak Laen' Soundtrack Film Agak Laen". www.popmama.com (in In-Id). Retrieved 2024-09-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  19. ↑ Sihite, Felicia Gisela Br. "Sinopsis Film 'Agak Laen', Tayang 1 Februari 2024 di Bioskop!". detik.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  20. ↑ antaranews.com (2023-12-12). "Produser harap Agak Laen meredakan ketegangan sebelum Pemilu 2024". Antara News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  21. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2024-05-09). "98 Hari Tayang di Bioskop, Film Agak Laen Akhirnya Turun Layar". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  22. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2024-05-22). "Film Agak Laen Gelar Nobar Terakhir, Pamit dari Bioskop". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  23. ↑ "Film Agak Laen Mulai Tayang di Malaysia dan Brunei, Dapat Respons Positif dari Penonton". Republika Online (in Indonesian). 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  24. ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2024-03-19). "Awal Mula Film Agak Laen Bisa Sampai Tayang di Amerika". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  25. ↑ "Film Agak Laen Siap Go Internasional, Bakal Tayang di 13 Bioskop Amerika Serikat : Okezone Celebrity". Okezone Celebrity. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  26. ↑ antaranews.com (2024-03-19). "Agak Laen jadi film Indonesia pertama tayang di Amerika tahun ini". Antara News (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  27. ↑ "Film Agak Laen Tayang di Netflix 31 Mei". Kumparan.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  28. ↑ Diananto, Wayan (5 February 2024). "Film Agak Laen Tembus 1 Juta Penonton dalam 4 Hari, Kuasai 1.064 Layar Bioskop Awal Pekan Ini". Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  29. ↑ "Perolehan Penonton Film Agak Laen, 2 Juta dalam Seminggu". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  30. ↑ Riandi, Ady Prawira; Kistyarini (11 February 2024). "Agak Laen Jadi Film Indonesia Pertama yang Tembus 3 Juta Penonton di 2024". Kompas.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  31. ↑ "Film Agak Laen Tembus 7 Juta Penonton, Indra Jegel: Kami Siap Silver!". Kumparan.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  32. ↑ Azzahrina, Elmira Aubyn (2024-05-10). "Jadi Film Terlaris Sepanjang Masa Ke-2 di Indonesia, AGAK LAEN Resmi Umumkan Akan Produksi Sekuel". KapanLagi.com . Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  33. ↑ "Film Agak Laen Resmi Turun Layar Usai 98 Hari Tayang di Bioskop dan Disaksikan 9 Juta Lebih Penonton, Bakal Ada Sekuelnya". Liputan6.com (in Indonesian). 2024-10-02. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  34. ↑ "Jadi Film Terlaris Sepanjang Masa Ke-2 di Indonesia, AGAK LAEN Resmi Umumkan Akan Produksi Sekuel". KapanLagi.com . Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  35. ↑ "Ernest Prakasa umumkan sekuel Agak Laen 2 setelah film pendahulunya sukses". Antara News Bengkulu. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  36. ↑ "Sekuel Film AGAK LAEN Akan Segera Dibuat, Oki Rengga Sebut Tidak Mau Terburu-buru". KapanLagi.com . Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  37. ↑ Hayati, Istiqomatul (6 May 2025). "Indonesia's 'Agak Laen' to Be Remade by 'Parasite' Producer in South Korea". Tempo . Retrieved 8 May 2025.
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