TheNawtyRascals: the new prank kings are winning laughs and likes

IN THE bustling streets of Durban, public laughter and surprise have found a new home with "SA's funniest prank crew", TheNawtyRascals.

The trio, comprising brothers Raoul and Sahil Subchintuk, along with their friend Calvin Naidoo, have been pushing the boundaries of humour and mischief, steadily growing their online popularity through their playful antics.

Armed with a minuscule video camera, no bigger than a pinky finger, the crew ambushes unsuspecting victims, leading to reactions that range from bewilderment to hearty laughter. It's an unpredictable game, where each prank is an opportunity for entertainment and social engagement.

Yet, the road is not all laughs - it's not uncommon for the trio to face the kind of backlash that includes being slapped, shoved into bushes, or somewhat adversely "roughed-up".

One of the climbing stars of their social media exploits involves clever situational comedy. 

In one viral encounter, Naidoo approaches a carguard with a light-hearted question: "Where is Phoenix Plaza? Is it in Chatsworth? Is it in Westville? Is it in KwaMashu?" 

The car guard responds: "Chatsworth". 

"Well done," remarks Naidoo. 

In another video in a public area, Naidoo calls his ex-girlfriend in which he paints a vivid and humorous picture of his new romantic interest. The unsuspecting woman nearby listens with a mix of intrigue and confusion. 

"I found a new younger cherry. A younger version of you. I told you. We broke up a long time ago. You got a big mouth. You must come now. I am parking with my new girlfriend who is wearing a blue tracksuit, a pink Puma takkies, and an Outback red cap. She will sort you out. She knows a bit of karate... and she is carrying a yellow packet..." he says.

All the while, the woman, wearing the items he described, listens and smiles but looks equally puzzled.

"You can come now. I told you," he continues with his ex-girlfriend.

"You must stop stalking me, or she will sort you out."

At the helm of this comedic venture is Raoul, a 33-year-old sales consultant from Amanzimtoti, who manages the group's social media profiles. 

Raoul recalls how their journey began: "I met Calvin in 2015 when he was running a lift club. After he dropped off the passengers in the afternoons, we ended up playing pool or eating out, trying different foods. In 2019, I got married and moved from Isipingo Hills. Calvin and I spoke once in a while but we did not hang out like before. Last year, we caught up and while at the beach we recorded our first random video, followed by another, and another." 

Raoul, a sales consultant, said he initially began posting their content on his personal Facebook. After realising the potential of their shenanigans, he shifted the content from his Facebook page to brand the team, delivering a steady stream of viral videos that catapulted their online presence - 10 000 Facebook followers in five months and over 19 000 TikTok followers in just seven months.

With every click, like and share, they even got jobs to prank others for promotional videos in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Despite their comedic intent, Raoul admits they sometimes draw the ire of those they prank. 

He shares a moment that left him shaken: “I was roughened up. When I told someone on the phone that I was with my bodyguard, he took offence and attacked me and my T-shirt tore. I also pranked a guy who was in his 20s. He called his father. Despite telling them it was a prank, he slapped me. My brother was once also thrown into the bushes."

The team, he said, conducted their operations with respect. They ensure that participants grant permission for any footage released. 

Strategies for new content are devised in weekly meetings, regularly producing three to four videos each week.

Raoul said his aim was to make a film, similar to Leon Schuster movies. 

Naidoo, who has built his own career as a self-employed individual, weighs in on their appeal.

“In the grander scheme of things, people enjoy our content, but they can get crabby on bad days and sometimes take it out on you,” he remarks.

Such insights reflect the delicate balance between humour and social dynamics at play.

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