'The Raid 2' Begins Production (Exclusive Photos)

Production began this week on The Raid 2, the sequel to Gareth Evans’ acclaimed action movie showcasing the Indonesian fighting form known as silat.

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The movie reunites Evans with actor Iko Uwais, who reprises his role as Rama, a police officer with a terrific set of fighting skills. The sequel picks up right where the first film ends and follows the officer as he goes undercover and infiltrates the ranks of a ruthless Jakarta crime syndicate in order to protect his family and uncover the corruption in his own police force. 

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The movie is expected to shoot for over 100 days. The Indonesian title will be The Raid 2: Berandal, with "berandal" being the local word for "thug." 

"This is what Rama has to become this time," Evans told Heat Vision.

Ario Sagantoro is producing for PT Merantau Films, along with Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian and Todd Brown for XYZ Films.  Executive producing are Rangga Maya Barack-Evans and Irwan D. Mussry. 

Raid premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, where it took home the Audience Award in the Midnight Madness section. The film is approaching $15 million worldwide, according to the producers.

Sony Pictures Classics will once again release the film theatrically in the United States.

“To all our fans, thank you so much for your support,” said Evans. “We can't wait to come back and show you what we have been working on. We'll be there in 2014 with a film bigger, better and bloodier!”

Courtesy of PT Merantau Films and XYZ Films