Atheis (literally Atheist, also known as Kafir) is a 1974 Indonesian film directed by Sjumandjaja and adapted from Achdiat Karta Mihardja's novel of the same name.
80 million and starring Deddy Sutomo, Emmy Salim, Kusno Sudjarwadi, and Farouk Afero, Atheis was intended to be a challenge to Indonesia's religious communities.
However, he finds himself intrigued with the modern Kartini (Emmy Salim), whom he meets through his politically active friend Rusli (Kusno Sudjarwadi).
[3] In an interview with Suara Karya, the director stated that he intended the film to be a challenge to Indonesia's religious communities, one which he hoped they would be willing to accept.
[4] The cast included Deddy Sutomo, Kusno Sudjarwadi, Emmy Salim, Farouk Afero, Christine Hakim, Aedy Moward, Ernie Djohan, Maruli Sitompul, Kris Biantoro, and Rita Zahara.
Sjumandjaja countered this by noting that the book had long been part of the curriculum for junior and senior high school students.
[8] Writing after Sjumandjaja's death, Said found the film to be heavy-handed and noted that numerous Indonesian novels with simpler plot structures could have been used instead.