First Features, Native Filmworks, and Michelangelo Productions kick off 2025 with their latest film, ‘Katangari Goes To Town‘, now streaming on Prime Video. This whodunit, Reuben Reng and starring an ensemble cast and some very special peacocks, piqued our interest. Did it live up to the hype? Let’s get into the review.

Plot

The synopsis reads: Quirky ‘Katangari,’ a retired police inspector and legendary sleuth, is called to Abuja to investigate the murder of his international businessman cousin, Chief Bello Gyang. Suspects include Bello’s family, friends, and associates, all confined in his beautiful mansion until the culprit can be identified.

While the premise sets up a classic closed-room mystery, it ultimately doesn’t engage us as expected. The film attempts to flesh out the relationships between the suspects and the deceased, but the gradual reveals and lack of suspense make the journey feel less compelling.

Story

The story follows a tried-and-true murder mystery formula—multiple suspects and an eccentric detective—but it falters when it comes to keeping the audience involved. Unlike other whodunits that keep you guessing from the outset, ‘Katangari Goes to Town’ takes its time, and the clues offered along the way fail to elicit much suspicion.

A well-executed murder mystery should have you changing your suspects with each new revelation. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t achieve that sense of suspense until it’s almost too late. The eventual culprit is isolated from the from the start of the investigations making her an easy guess. We expected a twist but maybe not getting a twist was the twist?

Performances

Segun Arinze nails the role of Katangari, but this is nothing new for the actor, who has portrayed similar characters in the past. Likewise, Ireti Doyle’s Ulan is solid, but it feels like a continuation of familiar roles she’s taken on before. Sani Mu’azu’s portrayal of Audu is similarly forgettable.

Patience Ujah’s performance as Mima, however, is inconsistent. In some scenes, she’s effective, but in others, particularly when she’s front-and-centre, her portrayal falls flat. Supporting cast members, including Gbubemi Ejeye, Munachi Abii, Bethel Njoku, and Victor Panwal, deliver passable performances but don’t leave a lasting impression.

Technical Aspects

The location choice for the village in Jos is stunning, with vibrant shots that capture its beauty. Details like the “Beware of Owner” sign at Katangari’s home are a nice touch, revealing his quirky personality. Unfortunately for a mystery, the film’s attention to detail is subpar. From typos in newspaper headlines to air conditioners in the restroom and collosal mistakes in autopsy reports, this murder-mystery is plaqued with many technical errors.

Furthermore, Katangari’s white hair and beard seem off-putting, disrupting the character’s look and diminishing the immersion. This hair and make-up choice could have been executed better. The peacock and it’s sound effects is quite intriguing, perhaps more details should have been explored if any symbolism was intended.

Final Thoughts

The film captures our attention early with its stunning visuals, we especially enjoy the dynamic between Munachi Abii’s Sofia and Ireti Doyle’s Ulan. Both actresses have a strong rapport, providing some much-needed energy to the film.

However, the story starts to unravel when Katangari’s command over the suspects, despite their supposed power and influence, becomes unbelievable. How can one man, even with a gun, hold a group of supposedly influential people at bay in such a confined space?

Additionally, the dance scene with Katangari and Mima feels wholly unnecessary. The decision to make it a focal point seems out of place in the broader context of the mystery.

As for the big reveal at the end, it’s hardly shocking, as the film practically tells us who the killer is by isolating the character.

Verdict

Overall, Katangari Goes to Town marks a decent start for Nollywood in 2025, but it’s not as engaging as the genre demands. Despite its beautiful visuals and intriguing premise, this one doesn’t quite deliver on its potential earning it a rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Rating: 2.5/5