Hanung Bramantyo horror film Lobang Buaya set for October 2026 release

Director Hanung Bramantyo has announced that his new horror film, ‘Lobang Buaya’, is scheduled for release on October 1, 2026. Produced by Adhya Pictures and Dapur Film, the film follows a series of brutal serial killings in an Indonesian village set in 1964, disguised as mystical terror. The story centers on Lieutenant Soegeng, played by Baskara Mahendra, as he investigates the motives behind the killings.

Bramantyo revealed that the October 1 release date was not specifically planned to coincide with the G30S/PKI anniversary but was suggested by cinema operator XXI. The film's schedule was also influenced by its selection for international festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN).

In an effort to compete with Hollywood dominance, Bramantyo is implementing a South Korean storytelling formula characterized by ‘multi-twists’. Rather than relying solely on star power, the director aims to prioritize a complex plot where revelations occur multiple times throughout the narrative to keep audiences engaged.