The Raid, retitled The Raid: Redemption in the U.S., may not have lit the global box office on fire, but ask anyone and they'll tell you it was the most bad ass flick of last year. Introducing the world to the unique martial art of pencak silat, the film was a flurry of feet and elbows that was simply incredible to behold, making it an instant cult classic. Writer director Gareth Evans is hoping to capitalize on that success with the sequel, Berandal, and now we've got the first images as production is officially underway.
Taking place immediately following the last film, Rama (star Iko Uwais) is done battling armed goons inside a highrise tower, going undercover to infiltrate a ruthless Jakarta crime syndicate to protect his family and expose police corruption. Evans has previously said he hopes to expand the world Rama finds himself in, throwing in car chases and other action elements. The budget is bigger, and so is the cast with Tio Pakusadewo, Putra Arifin Scheunamann, Julie Estelle, Alex Abbad, Cecep Arif Rahman, and Roy Marten co-starring.
Filming is due to take place for about 100 days, which probably equates to about 800 broken bones and a hefty insurance liability. Check out the images below....
