Get ready to witness a game-changing moment in action cinema! Iko Uwais, the martial arts maestro behind The Raid, is stepping behind the camera for his directorial debut with Timur—and it’s already creating buzz. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: Uwais isn’t just directing; he’s also launching his own production company, Uwais Pictures, with a mission to redefine the action genre. And this is the part most people miss: Timur isn’t just another action flick—it’s a gripping action-thriller based on the real-life 1996 Mapenduma hostage crisis, overseen by none other than current Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Talk about high stakes!
Nearly a year ago, Uwais announced the formation of Uwais Pictures, a studio dedicated to delivering the kind of heart-pounding, high-octane action that made The Raid and The Night Comes for Us global sensations. With a focus on local-language films and modest budgets, Uwais aims to replicate his past successes while pushing creative boundaries. The studio hit the ground running, putting two films up for sale at the European Film Market in Berlin just months after its launch.
Timur marks not only Uwais’ directorial debut but also the first action film co-produced out of Indonesia. Cinema 21’s YouTube Channel recently released a behind-the-scenes look at the film, showcasing the explosive action sequences and intense stunts that fans have come to expect from Uwais. In an interview, Uwais admitted that directing has been a challenge, but it feels like the perfect project to take on. He also praised his stunt team, calling them “the best” in the business—a bold claim that’s sure to spark debate among action film enthusiasts.
But here’s the controversial part: While many stars struggle when they step into the director’s chair (think Tony Jaa’s Ong Bak sequels), Uwais’ track record in the action department is rock-solid. His ability to deliver old-school, bone-crunching fight scenes and thrilling gunplay makes Timur a must-watch. Is Uwais the next big action director, or will he struggle to balance his on-screen presence with behind-the-camera duties? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Uwais Pictures isn’t stopping at Timur. Their next film, Ikatan Darah, is another local-language action thriller with a compelling premise: a former martial arts athlete takes on a network of loan sharks to save her brother from online gambling debt. Uwais himself expressed excitement about this new phase of his career, promising a fresh style of action cinema for global audiences.
So, what do you think? Will Uwais Pictures revolutionize the action genre, or is it too early to tell? Share your thoughts below—and don’t forget to check out the behind-the-scenes footage of Timur for a sneak peek at what’s to come!
