Native Filmworks, First Features, and Michelangelo Productions started 2025 with Katangari Goes to Town, a film that immediately catches attention with its unique title. The promotional flyers were eye-catching, sparking curiosity about whether the film would deliver on its promise. Unfortunately, while the movie had an intriguing premise and stunning visuals, it failed to live up to expectations. Here’s why.
A Plot Full of Potential but Lacking Suspense
The story follows Katangari (Segun Arinze), a retired police detective turned vigilante in his quiet community. His peaceful life is interrupted when Mima (Patience Ujah), the personal assistant of his wealthy cousin, Chief Bello (Edward From), informs him of the chief’s mysterious death. Katangari is summoned to Abuja to investigate the murder, with the threat of losing his land if he refuses.
Once in the city, Katangari meets several family members, each with motives for wanting the chief gone:
- Wash (Victor Panwal): A nephew who rejects his role in the family business to pursue a career as a DJ.
- Chatong (Gbubemi Ejeye): A niece eager to take over the family business but sidelined because of her gender.
- Ulan (Ireti Doyle): The chief’s flamboyant ex-wife known for her extravagant lifestyle.
- Sophia (Munachi Abii): The chief’s current wife.
- Audu (Sani Muazu): A suspicious business partner.
- Pastor Dominion (Bethel Njoku): A greedy pastor with questionable motives.
Before his death, Chief Bello recorded a video giving Katangari full authority to investigate the murder, ordering that the will wouldn’t be read until the killer was caught. No one was allowed to leave the premises until the case was solved.
Beautiful Scenery Can’t Hide a Weak Script
Let’s give credit where it’s due: the film’s visuals are stunning. Shot in Jos and Abuja, the lush green landscapes and scenic environments are breathtaking. Nigeria is truly beautiful, and Native Filmworks captured it perfectly. But a movie is more than just pretty pictures. Unfortunately, the story didn’t match the visuals.
For a murder mystery, Katangari Goes to Town lacked suspense. None of the suspects had strong motives, and the plot didn’t build enough tension. By the middle of the film, it was easy to figure out who the killer was. For a genre that thrives on surprises, this predictability was disappointing.
Unrealistic and Over-the-Top Scenes
One of the most unbelievable parts of the movie was Katangari holding Abuja’s elite hostage with just a local rifle. Really? A retired police officer with one gun trapping powerful people in a house? That was hard to believe. All anyone needed to do was call the police, and he’d be arrested for false imprisonment.
Another ridiculous moment was when Katangari fired a warning shot as Ulan tried to leave. The setting was a secure estate, wouldn’t the gunshot have alerted security? This scene completely ignored reality, making it hard to take the film seriously.
Strong Performances Can’t Save Weak Characters
Segun Arinze gave a solid performance as Katangari, but this role wasn’t new for him. It felt like he was repeating characters he has played before. Ireti Doyle as Ulan was also convincing, but again, it felt like she was typecast as the rich, saucy woman. Nollywood needs to give her more diverse roles—she’s capable of much more.
Patience Ujah (Mima) had a strong start. Her facial expressions carried some scenes, but in more intense moments, her performance lacked depth. The supporting cast, Victor Panwal, Gbubemi Ejeye, Munachi Abii, Bethel Njoku, and Sani Mu’azu did their jobs but didn’t leave lasting impressions.
And, of course, Nollywood couldn’t resist the cliché of the greedy, corrupt pastor. It’s tiring to see the church constantly painted in a negative light.
Final Thoughts
Katangari Goes to Town had great potential. The story had an interesting foundation, the locations were beautiful, and some performances were strong. However, the weak script, lack of suspense, and unrealistic scenes ruined the experience.
With better writing and more believable scenes, this film could have been a hit. Unfortunately, it fell flat.
