Debutant director and producer Theshen Naicker shines with his first movie
Amazing response
Theshen Naicker directed, produced and acted in his first movie, My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding. The movie is currently showing at cinemas across the country.
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THREE weeks after his first movie hit the big screen, comedian and actor Theshen Naicker is riding high on a wave of success, thanks to unprecedented support from audiences.
The movie, My Cousin's Big Fat Durban Wedding, which tells the poignant love story of an interracial relationship between a Zulu man and an Indian woman was released on December 12.
Naicker, who also directed and produced the movie, said within the first weekend it achieved grand success.
“We estimated a certain amount that we hoped to achieve for the entire run of the movie, which is a month long. However, in just that first weekend after it had hit cinemas across the country, we achieved and exceeded that amount. It was a massive win for us all. According to the distributor, the movie is also among the top 5 movies watched in cinemas right now. This is phenomenal as we are competing against international movies. Even this past week cinemas remained full."
Naicker said he was initially scared when he decided to make his first movie.
“I have created a brand where people know me as an actor, as ‘aunty Sheila’, and for my stage shows. But this was my first time going into the movie industry not as just an actor, but now as a director and producer which was nerve-wrecking.
“Furthermore, I was telling a different story, one which touched on taboo topics, especially in the Indian community, such as homosexuality and interracial relationships. People cautioned me but I always said in my storytelling journey I want to be bold and strong enough to stand out and tell a real story."
Naicker said the response from the public had been "amazing".
“I have had hundreds, if not thousands of people message me saying they loved the movie and that it was interesting and unique; one they had never seen before in a movie made in South Africa. I never anticipated such an amazing response. It just proves that the community loves local content.”
He said he hoped the movie would be showcased on streaming platforms.
“I also hope this movie stands as a testament to filmmakers and storytellers. We are often scared to write true and authentic stories. We only play in a safe zone. However, let us start to write stories that are different. Let us be bold and courageous.”
The cast includes Kajal Maharaj, Rashid Mlongo, Musawenkosi Shozi, Mishka Pillay, Chrisintha Moodley and Zukhanye Sihlobo, among others.