After a couple of quiet years, South African comedian Leon Schuster is bursting back onto the entertainment scene with his new quirky comedy, Frank & Fearless.
The film, which is set to be released on 23 November this year, stars the likes of Kenneth Nkosi, Khanyi Mbau and Leon Schuster.
Set in Africa, the movie takes you on an adventure as a loveable old man, Sonny Frank (Leon Schuster) and a ten-year-old rural African boy, Fearless (Themba Ntuli), set out to kidnap the ambassador of a South-East Asian country in an attempt to stop rhino poaching.
On their journey they encounter some trouble in the form of terrifying ranger turned poacher, Dolf (Kenneth Nkosi), with whom Sonny has a past.
They are also joined by a lovable and sweet game ranger, who is played by Khanyi Mbau.
Khanyi, who has starred in films such as Hear Me Move and Happiness Is a Four-letter Word, says she was honoured to work with the likes of Kenneth Nkosi and Leon Schuster.
We caught up with her to talk about her role in the movie, working with Leon and what people can expect from the movie:
1. How would you describe your character in the movie?
There is something very pure about her. I’d have to say her purity and how sweet she is stands out the most.
2. How did you prepare for the role?
I actually didn’t have to do a lot of preparation. All I had to do was take of my wig, lashes and wipe the makeup off and I was ready to go. I spent 5 minutes in the makeup chair and her wardrobe was very easy.
She took me out of my comfort zone because I always act as a glamazon and this time I was just an ordinary girl.
3. Judging from your Instagram uploads while you were on set, it’s safe to say you enjoyed shooting the movie. What was it like working with the likes of Leon Schuster and Kenneth Nkosi?
I grew up watching Leon Schuster, so it was very intimidating the first time around, but once you start working with him, he is such a pleasure to work with.
It was truly a learning experience working with someone who embodies comedy and is the business in terms of comedy. And with Kenneth, it was just comfortable.
I have worked with him before and he has become like a brother to me, so it was an honour to work with him again.
4. What do you want people to take away from the movie?
That everyone matters. No matter your size or age, or whatever, you matter. We all matter and have an important role to play in society.
5. What sort of person is going to love this movie?
It’s a kiddie’s movies, something young adults will enjoy. But I think everyone will love it, it will bring a sense of nostalgia when you watch it. It’s not your classic Leon movie, it has a narrative and a story to it that is different from what Leon has done in the past.
6. What is the most challenging thing you had to overcome while shooting this movie?
My character spoke broken English, so there were times when we had to reshoot some scenes because a bit of Khanyi came through. I had to constantly remember that detail about her, which was the most challenging.
7. What’s going to surprise people about this movie?
I think my role is going to shock people and Leon is also going to surprise people. I don’t want to give too much away but the audience is going to see him in a very different light than what they are used to.
WATCH THE TEASER HERE:
