More than two decades after the cultural phenomenon “Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?” (AADC) took Indonesia by storm, production house Miles Films is reviving the iconic love story of Rangga and Cinta in a brand new format—a musical film titled ‘Rangga & Cinta’. The film is set to hit cinemas across Indonesia on October 2, 2025.
This time, however, familiar faces like Nicholas Saputra and Dian Sastrowardoyo won’t be returning. Director Riri Riza and producer Mira Lesmana have entrusted the lead roles to two rising stars: El Putra Sarira as Rangga and Herleyava Princy (Leya) as Cinta.
New Format, Same Soul
Despite the modern twist, Mira Lesmana emphasized that ‘Rangga & Cinta’ still carries the emotional essence of the beloved AADC film.“We still use poetry in the screenplay. The difference is that the cast now sings and dances a lot more,” said Mira during a press conference at XXI Epicentrum, South Jakarta, on Monday (Sept 29, 2025).
She added that the story has been slightly adapted to fit today’s youth culture. In fact, there was one particular scene that sparked some internal debate.“There was a scene that Titin (Warimena) and I really wanted to include. But Riri and Nicholas were hesitant about it. Luckily, we pushed forward, and it turned out to be one of the strongest moments in the film,” she added.
Not a Sequel—A Rebirth
Director Riri Riza made it clear that ‘Rangga & Cinta’ is not a sequel but a rebirth of the original AADC storyline.“We don’t want audiences to come just for nostalgia. This isn’t a sequel—it’s a fresh story built from the same spirit but designed to grow and evolve,” he explained.
He likened the approach to how Hollywood continuously breathes new life into cinematic universes—just like what happened with Sherina’s Adventure, which has now evolved into its own universe.“I believe the AADC IP is incredibly strong. It even helped Nicholas and Dian sustain their careers in the film industry,” Riri continued. “Hopefully, El and Leya can follow in their footsteps.”
Warm Welcome at Busan World Premiere
‘Rangga & Cinta’ had its world premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025, held from September 17–26—and the film received a surprisingly warm response from the audience.
Director Riri Riza admitted he didn’t expect such a reaction, considering the film is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture and references.“The audience was so fresh. You’d think they wouldn’t get it, but the response was amazing,” Riri said.
He added that many people could emotionally connect with the characters and the timeline of Rangga, Cinta, and the “Geng Cinta.”
Lead actors Leya Princy and El Putra Sarira, who attended the screening in Busan, echoed Riri’s sentiments.“There was even someone from Japan who flew to Korea just to watch Rangga & Cinta. It was an unforgettable moment,” said El.
The film was screened as part of A Window on Asian Cinema, a BIFF program that showcases bold and contemporary Asian films.
A Rising Cast Full of Potential
Alongside El Putra and Leya Princy, ‘Rangga & Cinta’ also features a fresh lineup of young talent, including Daniella Tumiwa, Katyana Mawira, Kyandra Sembel, and Jasmine Nadya—bringing new energy and perspective to the classic love story.
Mark Your Calendar!
With its unique blend of music, poetry, and vibrant visuals, ‘Rangga & Cinta’ is not just a film—it’s a celebration of love, time, and the evolution of a generation.
Don’t miss this highly anticipated musical film, in cinemas across Indonesia starting October 2, 2025.
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