Oscar-winning “Parasite” production company Barunson E&A has officially signed on as co-investor for “Rangga & Cinta,” a musical reboot of Indonesia‘s beloved romance franchise “What’s With Love?” (Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?).
The international sales deal was secured ahead of the upcoming Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart), scheduled for March 17-20.
The reboot revisits the iconic story that became a cultural phenomenon in Indonesia, centering on Cinta, a popular 17-year-old high school student whose name means “love” in Indonesian. When she falls for Rangga, a reclusive schoolmate, her tight-knit friendships begin to fray, forcing her to choose between romance and loyalty.
The original “What’s With Love?” (2002) revitalized the young adult romance genre in Indonesia after two decades of decline, becoming that year’s most-watched local film and grossing approximately $10 million worldwide. Its success spawned multiple adaptations, including a TV series (2003-2005), a YouTube mini-drama (2014), a sequel film (2016), and a spin-off “Milly & Mamet: Ini Bukan Cinta & Rangga” (2018).
“It is an honor for me to once again take part in the ‘What’s With Love?’ universe after directing the sequel in 2016,” said director Riri Riza. “It also brings great excitement that we have the opportunity to cast new young actors for ‘Rangga & Cinta.’ They are so talented, I am sure that through this film they would emerge as professional actors who play important roles in the future of Indonesian cinema and film industry.”
Miles Films returns as the production company behind the project. Beyond the “What’s With Love?” franchise, the award-winning Indonesian company has produced numerous successful films including the “Sherina’s Adventure” series (2000, 2023), “Glorious Days” (2019), “Sang Pemimpi” (2009), and “The Rainbow Troops” (2008).
“The nation-wide anticipation and celebration for the rebirth of ‘What’s With Love?’ in our upcoming film ‘Rangga & Cinta’ brings so much joy,” said Mira Lesmana, founder and CEO of Miles Films. “I am hoping the international market will also embrace this beloved story that has become Indonesia’s all-time favorite teen flick.”
This marks Barunson E&A’s fourth non-Korean feature for international sales since launching its international operations in October 2022. The company previously backed the Vietnamese film “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” which won two awards at Venice in 2024.
“Indonesia has an incredibly rich storytelling tradition, and we are thrilled to be part of this ambitious musical adaptation,” said Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A. “‘Rangga & Cinta’ is more than just a story about teenage love – it’s a reflection of Indonesia’s historical and political landscape, intertwined with themes of family, friendship and self-discovery. This universal, emotionally driven narrative is what we believe will resonate with audiences across borders.”
The production represents Barunson E&A’s third investment in an Indonesian title, further strengthening its presence in Indonesia’s burgeoning film industry.
