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'Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang' A comedy made of bits with mixed results
Lead characters: Kemal, played by stand-up comedian Kemal Palevi (left), is seen with his fellow classmate Putri (Laudya Chintya Bella) in a scene of new comedy flick Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang
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Lead characters: Kemal, played by stand-up comedian Kemal Palevi (left), is seen with his fellow classmate Putri (Laudya Chintya Bella) in a scene of new comedy flick Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang. (Courtesy of MD Pictures) (left), is seen with his fellow classmate Putri (Laudya Chintya Bella) in a scene of new comedy flick Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang. (Courtesy of MD Pictures)
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span class="inline inline-none">Lead characters: Kemal, played by stand-up comedian Kemal Palevi (left), is seen with his fellow classmate Putri (Laudya Chintya Bella) in a scene of new comedy flick Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang. (Courtesy of MD Pictures)
Comedy Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang builds up its plot from bits of jokes: some of them hit the target, others crumble upon delivery.
The movie is based on a comedic book by the same title written by budding stand-up comedian Kemal Palevi. The title is wordplay of an Indonesian proverbs 'tak kenal maka tak sayang' (you cannot love what you do not know).
The film is made up of odd bits in various forms and styles ' but what stands out most is the slapstick and toilet humor ' hinging on a simple teenage romance plot. As such, comedy is supposed to be the strongest suit of the movie, which comes from teenage movie machine MD Pictures, but it falls short.
Director Fajar Bustomi, whose previous works include Remember When and Slank Ga Ada Matinya (Slank Never Dies), work with a cast ensemble comprised of young adult comedian idols, pop heartthrobs and female eye-candy. It is clear the movie targets a rather age-specific audience.
With a specific market, many of the jokes do not go over well with the general audience; but those that do are rewarded by roaring laughs.
The film follows the title character, Kemal (Kemal Palevi), as he goes through a love journey that started during his high school years in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. In high school, Kemal wants to date beautiful girls, but always fails due to his absurd and unpredictable approach.
After many failures, with the help of his closest friend Khalil (Rayi Putra), Kemal finally sets his eyes on the most beautiful girl in school, Raisya (Indah Permatasari), an independent and expressive girl.
Raisya already has a popular and handsome boyfriend Nanda (Ajun Prawira).
While attempting to court Raisya, Kemal finds himself having to face Nanda in an after school duel. To prepare for the fight, Kemal trains under his national karate champion dad (Joe P Project).
Come fight day, with help from Khalil, Kemal manages to beat Nanda through elaborate distraction tactics. Unexpectedly, Raisya arrives at the duel scene. Victorious Kemal then ask Raisya to be his girlfriend because he won the fight. However, Raisya refuses, saying she finds Kemal too aggressive in his approach to girls.
Raisya's refusal leaves a lasting scar on Kemal, who decides not to approach any girl again. After graduation, Kemal goes to Jakarta to study at an art institute, where he meets new best friends Jovi (Jovial Da Lopez) and Hifdzi (Hifdzi).
Kemal's fellow classmate Putri (Laudya Chintya Bella) has a crush on him, but Kemal, fearing appearing aggressive, responds to her coldly, despite being attracted to her.
Putri does everything she can to get close to Kemal, only to be ignored by him. Her big chance comes when the two are paired in a class production of Romeo and Juliet. Acting professor Siregar (Norman Akuwen) demands Kemal and Putri spend more time together to build good chemistry between them.
As Kemal and Putri spend more time together, Kemal feels closer to her while Putri gets more confused by his cold gestures.
One day, Kemal bumps into Raisya at a mall. Raisya talks to him about her rejection and says that she made a mistake and that Kemal is not actually an aggressive person. With this revelation, Kemal sets his heart on confessing his feelings for Putri.
Built up from numerous jokes, Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang, unfortunately, was less than the sum of its parts. In favor of delivering comedy, the filmmakers apparently decided to forgo a convincing, or at least an engaging, plot.
Cheesy teenage TV soap opera acting did not help the film's case for audience engagement. Between the convoluted plot, mediocre acting and bits of jokes, the movie could well work on some comedy styling ' probably.
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Tak Kemal Maka Tak Sayang (85 minutes, MD Pictures)
Director: Fajar Bustomi
Scriptwriter: Kemal Palevi, Jovial Da Lopez
Cast: Kemal Palevi, Laudya Cynthia Bella, Ajun Perwira, Rayi Putra, Joe P. Project, Jovial Da Lopez, Hifdzi, Andovi, Gofar Hilman, Aida Alifisina
Producers: Dhamoo Punjabi & Manoj Punjabi
