The gripping premise of Reuben Reng’s ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ begins under the dim glow of a chandelier. In a production that marks another collaboration between Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions, a family gathers for a will reading—what should have been a sombre occasion turns into a nightmare when the patriarch reveals he was murdered, and the killer sits among them. The film blends crime, family drama, and self-discovery in an unmissable whodunit. It explores the intricacies of familial ties, betrayal, and justice, all wrapped in a whodunit narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the end.
At its heart, ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ revolves around Katangari, embodied by Segun Arinze, who previously starred in ‘The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3’ Katangari is a seasoned detective with a socially awkward yet determined personality. Tasked with unravelling the mystery behind his cousin’s death during a contentious will reading, Katangari locks the family in the house, creating a pressure cooker of tension where alliances fray, secrets boil to the surface, and every character is pushed to their breaking point. Over three days, secrets, betrayals, and hidden motives come to light.
The audience is treated to an array of characters, each with distinct quirks and agendas: Wash, played by Victor Panwal, is the fun-loving heir. Gbubemi Ejeye, who is recently coming from her high of ‘Farmer’s Bride,’ breathes life into Chatong, the pragmatic daughter fighting for recognition. Ireti Doyle, known for ‘The Wedding Party,’ is Ulan, the vengeful ex-wife; Sofia shines through Munachi Abii, the current loving wife and an eclectic mix of household staff, including a suspicious butler, Manso, played by Shehu Zock Sock.
The narrative isn’t just about solving a murder. It’s a deeper exploration of loneliness and connection, as seen through Katangari—a man so consumed by his quest for justice that he must confront the isolation it brings. The story examines how even the most resolute individuals can be shaped by the relationships they form under pressure.
As director Reng highlights, “Katangari’s journey is one of self-reawakening. He’s a lonely man who finds unexpected connection and growth amidst chaos.” This theme is vividly portrayed as Katangari navigates his investigation, confronting not just suspects but his own emotional barriers. Through moments of reluctant vulnerability with the family and staff, the film captures his transformation from a stoic enforcer of justice to someone who begins to grasp the nuances of human connection and empathy.
The cast’s reflections illuminate the depth of the story. Patience Ujah, who plays Mima, the diligent personal assistant, shared, “Mima is hard-working and knows everyone’s business in the household. She’s pivotal to Katangari’s investigation, though her character holds secrets of her own.” Meanwhile, Panwal, portraying Wash, noted the contrast between his character’s privileged background and his personal journey. “Wash isn’t unserious; he just chooses his own path, one that’s different from his father’s expectations. It’s a rich kid versus dreamer dynamic.”
The camaraderie on set was evident, with both Ujah and Pawal expressing admiration for the professionalism and creativity of their colleagues. Ujah described her experience as “one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve worked on,” while Pawal acknowledged the challenge of stepping up in a film with industry veterans.
As a genre, the whodunit is not a territory Nollywood visits often. Rooted in intricate storytelling and sharp character development, it requires a delicate balance of suspense and revelation—a challenging feat in an industry more accustomed to melodrama or action-packed narratives. ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ innovates by situating this classic format within a distinctly Nigerian context, where familial dynamics and cultural tensions amplify the stakes, making the genre feel fresh and deeply relatable.
Inspired by Agatha Christie classics like ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Death on the Nile,’ the film’s director and producer, Steve Gukas, sought to craft a narrative that would resonate with both local and global audiences. “The key is building a believable world,” Reng emphasised. “Even if the genre isn’t traditionally Nigerian, the themes of family, betrayal, and ambition are universal.”
The making of ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ was as layered as its narrative. Reng’s second directorial project under the First Features initiative, the film marked a homecoming of sorts for the director, who shot much of the movie in Plateau State, his birthplace. “Bringing this story to my home state was deeply personal,” he said.
The cast’s journey to embody their roles was equally challenging. For Ujah, the role of Mima was a “miracle,” with her natural portrayal capturing the exact nuances the creators sought. For Pawal, stepping into Wash’s shoes meant channelling a character far removed from his own life, a journey he found both daunting and rewarding.
Beyond its entertainment value, ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ poses profound questions about family loyalty, personal ambition, and societal expectations. It’s a mirror held up to Nigerian society, exploring themes that resonate deeply while introducing audiences to the thrill of a genre seldom explored locally.
‘Kantangari Goes to Town’ is yours to enjoy on the 4th of January, 2025, on Prime Video.
