W

e all have reason to applaud recent improvements in Indonesian cinema. Film production is increasing, storylines are expanding (apart from the never-old love and horror genres) and brilliant young directors are shining at home and abroad.

But what about the stars?

When it comes to male actors, there are a few notables, like Lukman Sardi, 41, and Reza Rahadian, 26, who give consistently excellent performances in various movies.

But that is exactly their problem, and ours as viewers: they appear in way too many films (the issue of female stars, while closely related, would take another article to discuss in full).

Lukman, the son of noted violist Idris Sardi, rose to fame after playing in 9 Naga (9 Dragons) in 2006. It has led to various parts, from a domineering husband in Berbagi Suami (Shared Love), an introverted photographer in The Photograph, an unlikely gigolo in Quickie Express, a communist party member in Sang Penari (The Dancer), a priest in Di Timur Matahari (East of the Sun) and a noted Islamic cleric in Sang Pencerah (The Enlightener).

Most of his films have been commercial if not critical successes, including the Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Warriors) series, Naga Bonar (Jadi) 2, and Rectoverso, where he brilliantly played an autistic man.

There is no doubt Lukman is one of the busiest actors in the country. In 2008, he appeared in eight movies, including in one of the best horror themed omnibus Takut: Faces of Fear. His on-screen performances dropped to a mere (for him) three films in 2009, but recouped to five in 2010 and six in 2011.

He featured in six films last year and, so far in 2013, has already wrapped three vehicles.

While his acting quality is beyond question, his appearance in so many movies leads to the question: do we really have to entrust him with every lead role? Aren't there more actors to go around?

Well, the answer may be Reza, but for a young actor in his mid-20s, he is also very busy.

In 2009, he gained attention in Perempuan Berkalung Sorban (The Woman in the Turban) as Samsuddin, an abusive, patriarchal husband who forced his wife to agree to a polygamous arrangement.

The 2009 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) bestowed the best supporting actor honor on him, and his career fortunes have skyrocketed.

Just one year after that first Citra award at the FFI, Reza was back in the same spot. He collected the best actor award once again for his role as Rosid, an artsy frizzy-haired Muslim who falls in love with a Christian in 3 Hati, Dua Dunia, Satu Cinta (3 Hearts, Two Worlds, One Love).

In 2011, he played various characters in five movies, including ?, Hanung Bramantyo's religious-themed movie that sparked controversy, Jakarta Maghrib, The Mirror Never Lies and Hafalan Shalat Delisa (Delisa's Prayer by Heart).

And 2012 was even busier for Reza, who played the main roles in six movies. Portraying Indonesia's third president and one of the smartest people in the country B.J. Habibie, Reza won over the critics and proved he was more than just a pretty face in Habibie & Ainun.

His popularity among female fans also soared, especially following his roles as charming, good-hearted lovers in Perahu Kertas (Paper Boat) and Test Pack. Reza also showed that his acting skills could hold their own with noted comedians in Finding Srimulat (2013).

Spread thin

It seems like the talented twosome of Lukman and Reza are front and center of every blockbuster.

Well, they have obviously nailed it in the acting stakes. But maybe directors could get wiser and start looking around to find more potential actors, for the sake of creativity and diversity.

Besides, don't we all want to have more good acting male faces on the screen like in Indonesian film's heyday of the 1970s and 1980s? There were heart-throbs like Roy Marten, Tio Pakusadewo and one-hit-wonder Ongky Alexander, as well as iconic comedians like Dono, Kasino, Indro and Didi Petet.

And it's not like there are no other talents out there.

Take Fachry Albar. I wish we saw him in more movies and it has nothing to do with his good-looking face. We first noticed him in Alexandria, a drama about love and platonic friendship, in 2006, but he really came to prominence in the steamy Jakarta Undercover produced the same year.

In gaudy makeup, fake-fur costumes and high heels, Fachry beautifully played Amanda, a transvestite, in the movie adapted from Moammar Emka's best-seller about the capital's seamy underbelly.

His breakthrough performance came one year later when he took part in Joko Anwar's Kala (Dead Time). His next film, another Joko work Pintu Terlarang (Forbidden Door), in 2009, was screened at Rotterdam International Film Festival and won an award at the Puchon International Film Festival in South Korea.

Now it's a case of where is he now as he has not appeared in any roles lately.

Also notable is Mahbub Herjunot Ali, popularly known as Junot. His performance in Di Bawah Lindungan Ka'bah (Under the Protection of Ka'bah) was astonishing.

The movie, adapted from Buya Hamka's classic novel of the same title, was Indonesia's official submission for the Academy Awards in 2011. Despite his limited filmography, Junot has played a variety of roles, including a rebellious youth in Upi Avianto's Realita, Cinta dan Rock'n'Roll (Reality, Love and Rock'n'Roll) in 2006 and an eccentric poet-wannabe in 5 cm in 2011.

Granted, not all of them are extraordinary movies. However, his acting quality is improving, and I look forward to his next works.

Let us not forget Nicholas Saputra. He became the heartthrob of the 2000s generation in Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (What's Up With Cinta?) and Janji Joni (Joni's Promise) but moved to be established actor through serious roles in Biola Tak Berdawai (The Stringless Violin), Gie, 3 Hari Untuk Selamanya (3 Days for Forever) and 3 Doa 3 Cinta (3 Prayers, 3 Loves).

He recently took part in the omnibus Kita vs Korupsi (2012), Postcards from the Zoo (2012), What They Don't Talk About When They Talk About Love (2013) and Cinta dari Wamena (Love From Wamena, 2013).

While we have several promising actors for serious roles, we do lack really good comedians. Tora Sudiro is one of the few who could make us laugh through Quickie Express, although he also turned in good performances in dramas Banyu Biru and Arisan!

His last big break was in Arisan! 2 in 2011. Maybe, Mr. and Mrs Producers, it's time to give him a call. For everybody's viewing pleasure.