The subscription-based streaming platform Viu will soon release “Saudade”, a teen romance series adapted from the best-selling Wattpad novel by Asri Aci, offering viewers a compelling watch throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The novel’s appeal, which has been read by more than 24 million people with 1.89 million votes, was highlighted by Viu’s Head of Content, Toha Essa. He mentioned that the story will spark discussions about maturity and self-transformation.
“Saudade has a story that will be very close to the hearts of its audience. It’s not just a romance drama; it’s a journey toward maturity and self-transformation. We believe this series will not only entertain but also inspire discussions about relationships, loyalty, and the pursuit of true happiness,” said Toha during the gala premiere of the first two episodes of “Saudade” in the Senayan area, Jakarta, on Monday.
The story of “Saudade” (which means “longing” in Portuguese, as explained by Asri Aci in a separate interview) centers on Kashi and Akash, two teenagers who find love amidst heartbreak and disappointment. The series stars Abun Sungkar and Callista Arum.
Kashi, a high school student, has her heart broken when her boyfriend, Daffa (played by Lorenzo Gibbs), suddenly breaks up with her without explanation. To make matters worse, Kashi discovers that Daffa is now dating her best friend, Rasty (played by Bianca Hello).
In the midst of her sadness, Kashi finds new hope in Akash. Her classmate gradually fills her days with mischief, laughter, and advice that help her forget the painful memories with Daffa.
The emotional dynamics of adolescence, combined with themes of self-discovery, love, and resilience in facing challenges, according to Toha, will demonstrate how the process of growing up and self-transformation unfolds—starting from happiness, sadness, and unexpected twists that shape one’s maturity.
“Their story becomes a deep journey that uncovers the complexities of love, the meaning of family, and the struggle to find oneself, along with a fresh take on the ‘from hate to love’ dynamic. This 12-episode series is a must-watch,” said Toha.
Bianca Hello, who plays the character Rasty in “Saudade”, shared that she found it challenging to portray the antagonist role in this Viu original series. In “Saudade”, Bianca is playing her first antagonist character, who secretly becomes the third party in her best friend Kashi’s relationship.
“So far, it’s been a challenge to play this character because I’m usually more suited for playing the good characters,” said Bianca during a press conference for “Saudade” at Senayan Park, Jakarta, on Monday (March 3, 2025).
“Every time I have a scene where I’m angry, everyone laughs because it doesn’t seem to fit me,” she continued. Bianca also mentioned that “Saudade” is her first series, as she is previously more known for her roles in various horror films.
She expressed excitement about joining the project and pointed out that many of the cast members are her peers, making it easier for her to build chemistry with the other actors.
“It’s definitely different (being in a series), especially since I’m working with friends my age. So, it doesn’t feel awkward,” Bianca added.
Saudade will premiere on Viu starting March 4, 2025. Viewers can watch “Saudade” exclusively on Viu, available through the Viu app on both the App Store and Google Play.
Leave a Reply