The cast of the film Anak Medan Cocok Ko Rasa received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from hundreds of students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) during a special visit and talk show held at the UMSU auditorium, Jalan Kapten Mukhtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Tuesday (April 22).
Lead actor Maell Lee was joined by fellow cast members Ajil Ditto, Ady Sky, Mario Maulana Hazar, and Sonu Pai (Karbol). Their visit, ahead of the film’s premiere on April 24, 2025, brought laughter and excitement to the audience through a fun and engaging talk show.
The actors shared behind-the-scenes stories from the film’s production. Their dynamic presence and relatable humor created a lively and memorable atmosphere.
Anak Medan was filmed in March 2023 and tells the story of four friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds—Batak, Javanese, Malay, and Chinese—who were separated by a tragic event after graduating high school. Four years later, they reunite at a gathering in Medan, triggering a new chapter filled with challenges that test the strength of their friendship.
When asked about their impressions of UMSU, the entire cast praised the university as “paten kali” (totally awesome) for its strong appreciation of art, including local filmmaking. “UMSU is truly amazing,” said Maell Lee.
Maell, who plays the lead role of Ucok, shared a humorous story about the challenges of filming in Medan. “The hardest part was shooting in Teladan. We were all set for a street fight scene when suddenly a local man walked in just to ask for directions,” he recalled, sparking laughter from the audience.
Sonu Pai, who plays James, and Mario, known for his line “Hurry up, don’t take forever,” brought Medan’s signature humor to life throughout the event.
“This isn’t just a friendship story—it also shows the tough journey of Medanese youth trying to make it in Jakarta. This film proves that we can go further,” Mario added.
Ajil, one of the younger actors in the cast, highlighted the film’s authenticity. “Anak Medan captures the real spirit of Medan. It’s raw, transparent, and filled with bold, laugh-out-loud comedy that reflects the local culture,” he said.
The presence of the Anak Medan Cocok Ko Rasa cast at UMSU marked a meaningful collaboration between the academic and creative worlds, inspiring students to pursue their passions and express themselves through the arts.
UMSU’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, welcomed the film stars personally.
Rector Agussani expressed his pride in the visit. “At UMSU, we strongly support the work of young filmmakers, especially local talent from Medan,” he said.
Vice Rector Rudianto also appreciated the cast and crew for choosing UMSU as a stop on their promotional tour. “Many successful local films have stopped by UMSU. This isn’t the first time artists have visited us, and we always support them,” he noted.
He added that with tens of thousands of students, UMSU has produced many prominent public figures and celebrities. “It’s no surprise the Anak Medan team chose UMSU. Who knows, maybe one of our students will star in the sequel—or even create the next big hit.”
