Panji Tengkorak 2025 Review

Let’s be honest: Panji Tengkorak (2025) is not a flawless film. But beyond its imperfections, it’s a bold leap forward for Indonesian animation, and that alone deserves celebration. Released in August 2025, this film finally brought the legendary comic character Panji Tengkorak to the big screen with a fresh and ambitious vision.

A Clever Story with Engaging Plot

What impressed me the most was the storytelling. Using a back-and-forth narrative style, the film keeps you curious without confusing you. Twists and surprises are spread throughout, making the whole experience exciting. It’s rare to see a local animated film that respects the audience’s intelligence like this. For the sequel, I’d love to see more focus on supporting characters to strengthen the emotional connection with viewers.

Unique Animation Style

The animation has sparked debates—some say it looks stiff or choppy. Personally, I found it artistic and refreshing. It feels like watching vintage comic panels come to life, especially during the intense fight scenes. The brutal visuals fit perfectly with Panji Tengkorak’s dark tone. That said, smoother motion in non-action scenes could elevate the overall visual quality even more.

Solid Voice Acting

One of the biggest highlights is Denny Sumargo’s performance as Panji’s voice. I wasn’t sure at first, but his delivery was powerful, emotional, and surprisingly fitting. Other voice actors also did a good job, though a few lines could use stronger direction to make every performance equally impactful.

Bold and Fearless Content

Perhaps the most exciting aspect is how fearless the film is. Panji Tengkorak doesn’t shy away from gore and violence, marking a refreshing change in Indonesian animation. Finally, we have a local animated film that acknowledges adult audiences deserve intense and mature stories too.

Conclusion

So, is it worth watching? Absolutely. Don’t focus too much on comparing it with big foreign studios—appreciate its ambition and courage instead. Panji Tengkorak 2025 is a milestone for Indonesian animation, and I can’t wait to see where the sequel takes us next.