Play Network Studio’s latest film, a rendition of the 1995 Nollywood classic, Rattlesnake, has had its long-awaited premiere in cinemas.
‘Rattlesnake, The Ahanna Story’ follows Ahanna Okolo, a young man who decides to steal the life he always wanted. He assembles a group of men with various skills, carrying out a series of spectacular heists. But when their biggest heist takes an unexpectedly deadly turn, the gang suddenly find themselves with bitter enemies on both sides of the law.
The dark thriller comes complete with guns, fast cars and glamorous trips around the world.
Directed by Nollywood veteran Ramsey Nouah, the film boasts a talented cast of up-and coming-actors and more accomplished stars. Stan Nze plays the titular role of Ahanna, with performances from Osas Ighodaro, Bucci Franklin, Efa Iwara, Elma Mbadiwa and Tobi Bakre.
“It’s a remake, not a sequel. I wanted to retell Amaka Igwe’s story in this new generation, so that the story as she originally made it, will still linger on,” Nouah told Arise News at the film’s red carpet premiere.
The film’s plot- a young man so disillusioned with life to the point of pursuing a life of crime- takes on a whole new meaning after the recent youth-led anti-police brutality protests which erupted across Nigeria in October but snowballed into demands for better governance and accountability from the Nigerian government.
“It wasn’t planned, but coincidentally it seemed to be working alongside the protests,” Nouah said. “The youths and everyone not getting with the way the system is treating them in Nigeria. Plugging it in at this point in time is quite important even though it’s not a direct message against the protest.”
Scriptwriter Nicole Asinugo, also the brains behind Play Network’s previous remake of ‘Living in Bondage’, wanted filmgoers to consider the duality of human nature; and that the truth, and people, exist in grey areas.
“We want people to understand that when people do things that are bad, it’s not black and white. People do things because of the society that brought them up. Bad people have elements of good and things make them that way,” Asinugo said.
The Charles Okpaleke-produced film follows last year’s remake, ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,’ which won seven awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020, including the Best Movie and Best Overall Movie categories.
Rita Osakwe