Animated "Garuda di Dadaku" Reimagines Iconic IP with Visual Fantasy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The beloved Indonesian football franchise is making a bold leap into animation. Director Ronny Gani and producer Shanty Harmayn officially unveiled the trailer for the animated version of Garuda di Dadaku (Garuda on My Chest) during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

This new interpretation seeks to push the boundaries of the original live-action films by utilizing the limitless possibilities of animation. Produced by BASE Entertainment in collaboration with KAWI Animation, the film focuses on Putra (voiced by Keanu Azka), a young boy dreaming of becoming Indonesia’s greatest footballer. He is joined by Gaga (voiced by Kristo Immanuel), a magical little Garuda who appears when Putra begins to lose faith in himself.

Producer Shanty Harmayn explained that the decision to adapt this specific intelectual property (IP) for their first animated feature was driven by the desire to do things that were physically impossible in live-action. “We decided then we had to do something in animation that we couldn't do in live-action)” Shanty remarked, as quoted by Antara.

Director Ronny Gani added that the medium allows for a unique blend of sports action, visual comedy, and fantasy elements. He described the film’s energy as a collection of "exciting little firecrackers" that combine technical sports choreography with imaginative storytelling.

The film, which has been in development for over three years, carries a core message for the next generation: the courage to dream without boundaries. This production is specifically designed for families and children across Indonesia, aiming to inspire young viewers through relatable storytelling.

The narrative explores central themes of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the vital importance of a support system in achieving one's goals. A key element of this version is the Gaga"factor, where the addition of a magical companion emphasizes that no one achieves their dreams alone; indeed, the protagonist Putra's courage grows because of the unwavering belief of Naya, his teammates, and his magical friend.

Fans can look forward to seeing this new vision of Indonesian football on the big screen soon. The animated Garuda di Dadaku is scheduled to hit Indonesian theaters nationwide starting June 11, 2026.

Director Ronny Gani emphasized that this animated feature serves as a vibrant spectacle for the modern Indonesian family. The film focuses on the journey of Putra, a young boy with aspirations to become a top footballer, and his magical companion Gaga, who provides support during moments of self-doubt.

By blending sports action with fantasy elements, the production team aims to inspire children to pursue their greatest ambitions. The project, which has been three years in the making, highlights that courage is often built through the belief and support of friends, family, and teammates. ***