JAKARTA, November 11, 2026 — What happens when an ordinary grandfather is pushed into an extraordinary fight to protect his family? Netflix is ready to deliver an action-packed answer with its latest Indonesian Original film, Serangan Balik, premiering globally tomorrow, November 12, 2026.

Set in a small village in Central Java, the film combines intense fight sequences, tactical ingenuity, and deeply personal family dynamics. Directed by Sidharta Tata, Serangan Balik introduces an unexpected action hero: a grandfather whose past as a special forces soldier becomes his greatest weapon when danger threatens the people he loves.

The story begins when two of his grandchildren unexpectedly arrive, bringing with them a dangerous situation that puts the entire family at risk. Forced to confront a criminal syndicate, the grandfather must draw on his combat experience to protect his loved ones and bring his fractured family back together.

Ahead of its premiere, Netflix hosted a press conference where the director, producers, screenwriter, and cast shared behind-the-scenes stories, creative inspirations, and the challenges of bringing this unconventional action thriller to life.

An Unconventional Action Hero at the Heart of the Story

For director Sidharta Tata, one of the most exciting aspects of Serangan Balik is its unusual central character. Rather than following the familiar formula of a young, physically imposing action hero, the film places a grandfather at the center of the action.

Tata explained that the project originated from an idea developed by screenwriter Khalid Kashogi, which was subsequently shaped through discussions with Agasyah Karim of Netflix Indonesia and producer Edwin Nazir.

“It started with an idea developed by Khalid Kashogi as the writer, which was then further developed together with Agasyah Karim from Netflix Indonesia and producer Edwin Nazir. I found the story fascinating and unique. As it happens, some of my favorite films feature heroes who are quite different from the conventional action protagonists we usually see,” Tata shared.

He was particularly drawn to the idea of an overlooked character who could surprise audiences with unexpected strength.

“I like characters who are marginalized but capable of surprising everyone. We exchanged ideas and had several discussions, and eventually our conversations led us to Lukman Sardi. Interestingly, there was almost a sense of magic because Lukman happened to have been thinking along the same lines,” he added.

This creative vision gives Serangan Balik a distinctive identity, combining familiar action-film excitement with a more unexpected and emotionally grounded protagonist.

Bringing Soul and Meaning to Every Fight Scene

Producer Kimo Stamboel highlighted the importance of having Sidharta Tata at the helm, expressing his confidence in the director’s ability to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.

“When I first saw that Sidharta Tata was joining this project, I already felt fortunate. I knew Tata would maintain the quality of the film, so I had no doubts about the final result,” Kimo said.

For him, however, the goal was not simply to deliver spectacular action sequences. Every fight needed to serve a purpose within the story.

“What I wanted to ensure was that every action sequence had a soul. It couldn’t just be about throwing punches and kicking without meaning. Everything needed a reason behind it. Tata is also an incredibly collaborative person, which made the entire production journey enjoyable, with communication running smoothly throughout,” he explained.

That philosophy reflects the film’s broader approach: action is not merely spectacle, but an expression of the characters’ struggles, motivations, and emotional stakes.

A Personal Inspiration Behind the Family Story

Screenwriter Khalid Kashogi revealed that the film’s central family dynamic was partly inspired by his own family history.

“My grandfather was a soldier, although I didn’t get to know him very well because he passed away when I was still young. Perhaps that inspiration came from my subconscious. But more than that, we wanted to introduce an unconventional hero,” Khalid explained.

He described the protagonist as someone who has grown tired of the systems around him and has chosen to isolate himself from the world. Yet, despite his desire to stay away, he still carries unresolved issues, particularly involving his family and grandchildren.

This personal inspiration adds another dimension to the film, making its family-centered narrative feel more intimate and authentic.

Lukman Sardi Takes on His First Leading Action Role

For acclaimed actor Lukman Sardi, playing Eyang Hari was an opportunity he had been waiting for.

He revealed that the project arrived at a particularly meaningful moment, as he had recently been thinking about the possibility of starring in an Indonesian action film.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this film. It almost feels as though the universe had arranged everything. Just a few weeks before I unexpectedly met Tata, I had been thinking about when I would finally get the opportunity to star in an Indonesian action movie,” Lukman shared.

Taking on the role, however, came with its own challenges. Not only was this his first time appearing in an action film, but it was also his first time leading one.

“There were moments during preparation when I felt nervous about the physical demands and how I would prepare myself. This was my first action film, and I was also taking on the leading role,” he said.

Beyond the physical transformation, Lukman was particularly drawn to the emotional relationship between Eyang Hari and his grandchildren.

“The story is centered on family, especially the relationship between a grandfather and his grandchildren. At first, their relationship feels rather awkward, but under certain circumstances, they develop an incredibly strong chemistry,” he added.

His portrayal promises to bring a heartfelt dimension to a character who must rediscover his connection with his family while facing a dangerous enemy.

Callista Arum Discovers the Excitement of Action Cinema

Callista Arum, who plays Putri, Eyang Hari’s granddaughter, also shared her experience of stepping into the world of action filmmaking.

Her character finds herself in an increasingly dangerous situation, eventually having to take up arms when the enemies arrive.

For Callista, learning the choreography was one of the most demanding yet rewarding parts of the production.

“Choreography is like dancing. Every movement and every step has to be memorized. What surprised me most was how much fun it was to make an action film,” she said enthusiastically.

Despite the long shooting hours and unpredictable weather conditions, she described the overall experience as incredibly enjoyable.

“I really enjoyed working on this film. Even though the shooting days were long and the weather kept changing, we managed to get through everything together and had a wonderful time. I think I’ve even developed a new passion for action films!” she added.

Derby Romero and Donny Alamsyah Bring a Dangerous Criminal Duo to Life

Adding another layer of tension to the story are Derby Romero and Donny Alamsyah, who portray two brothers involved in a criminal syndicate.

Derby plays Bastian, a character whose unpredictable personality and complicated relationship with his older brother make him particularly intriguing.

He revealed that he and director Sidharta Tata developed Bastian’s personality from scratch, carefully shaping everything from his movements and speech to his wardrobe.

“Tata and I designed this character from the ground up, including how he moves, speaks, and dresses. I’ve always dreamed of playing a psychopath, and portraying Bastian was incredibly exciting because I had to jump between extreme emotional states while also performing fight scenes,” Derby explained.

He also revealed that Bastian’s behavior is driven by a deep desire for attention and validation from his older brother.

“Bastian is constantly seeking his brother’s attention. He needs validation and wants his brother to acknowledge him because he has always lived in his brother’s shadow,” he added.

Meanwhile, Donny Alamsyah takes on the role of Ulo, the film’s final villain, setting the stage for an intense confrontation with Lukman Sardi.

Donny admitted that he had been longing to return to a full-scale, hard-hitting action film when the opportunity came along.

“Even before joining this project, I had been missing the experience of making a truly intense and brutal action film. When I received the script and went through the preparation process, I could immediately feel that this was a serious action production,” Donny said.

He also described the preparation for his fight sequences with Lukman as a particularly exciting experience.

“The planning for the fight scenes between Lukman and me was no joke, but it was also a lot of fun. We discussed the movements beforehand to make sure everything looked believable, and we gave our best throughout the rehearsals. I hope the final result will entertain Indonesian audiences,” he added.

More Than an Action Film: A Story About Family, Trust, and Redemption

While its intense combat sequences and criminal underworld provide plenty of adrenaline, Serangan Balik ultimately goes beyond the conventions of an action thriller.

At its core, the film explores the emotional journey of three generations as they attempt to rebuild trust, reconnect with one another, and confront the pain of the past.

Through Eyang Hari’s unexpected transformation into a family protector, the story examines how love can become a powerful force when everything seems to be falling apart.

With Sidharta Tata’s distinctive direction, Kimo Stamboel’s action-driven production approach, and a compelling ensemble led by Lukman Sardi, Serangan Balik promises an exciting combination of explosive action and heartfelt storytelling.

Mark your calendars!

Serangan Balik premieres globally on November 12, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. Get ready for a gripping journey where family bonds are tested, old wounds resurface, and an unexpected hero must fight back against everything threatening the people he loves.