Ramsey Nouah has had success directing two of Nollywood’s prime movies: “Living In Bondage: Breaking Free” and “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.” Each movies, which earned him Director of the Yr honours on the Better of Nollywood Awards (2020) and AMVCAs (2022), are reimaginings of Nollywood classics. Whereas it’s not unusual for actors to step into the function of a director, tackling a directorial debut by remaking beloved classics—treasured by a era who holds them expensive—is an endeavour removed from simple.
“When doing a remake, it’s truly tougher since you’re attempting to resonate with the unique viewers whereas interesting to a brand new one,” Ramsey tells BellaNaija. “You wish to usher in a special approach with out dropping both demographic. That felt actually compelling once I did the remakes.”
Regardless of the inherent challenges of reinterpreting these classics, one can’t overlook how masterfully Ramsey executed the duty, a sentiment nicely encapsulated by the favored Gen Z phrase, “he killed it.”
Now, Ramsey steps into new territory with Tòkunbọ̀, against the law thriller that marks his directorial foray into authentic storytelling. His desire for the sorts of flicks he directs displays his inclinations—he’s drawn to the darker features of narrative. “I’m a sucker for darkish parts, like darkish comedies and shades, however the story wasn’t meant to be darkish. It was supposed to have a number of suspense. So I attempted so as to add a little bit of darkness, which made it tougher, including depth and different parts,” he shares.
Just like his expertise directing the classics, helming Tòkunbọ̀ was no simple feat. The Lagos-born actor confesses that the method was considerably overwhelming, as he aimed to surpass his earlier work, an effort that took a toll on him.
Tòkunbọ̀ is a Yoruba identify given to a baby born overseas and introduced again dwelling. Additionally it is a colloquial time period for imported second-hand items, significantly vehicles. Gideon Okeke stars as Tòkunbọ̀, an ex-car smuggler, decided to show his life round. Pushed by the need to be a loyal husband and father to his gravely sick 18-month-old child, he longs for the simplicity of a traditional life. However life might be tough. One minute, Tòkunbọ̀ is trying to find respectable methods to boost funds for his youngster’s medical payments; the following, he finds himself entangled in a harmful scenario. With solely three hours to ship a authorities official’s daughter to her captor, he faces the harrowing chance of dropping his household if he fails.
Gideon describes Tòkunbọ̀ as “fast-paced with a pulse.” It has a heartbeat,” he says. Though he has starred in main, multi-million-dollar movies, no undertaking has resonated with him as profoundly as Tòkunbọ̀. He admits the movie “kicked his butt.” On an depth scale, Tòkunbọ̀ was a strong 10 for Gideon. “It was intense from day one. It was difficult daily for everybody concerned—actors, producers, administrators. We confronted obstacles every day, and earlier than we knew it, we had been 45 days in.”
Born in Lagos and raised in Ajegunle, Gideon was drawn to the function resulting from Tòkunbọ̀’s relatability as a personality. He discovered a profound connection in portraying an strange man who begins his day at 8 a.m. and ends it round midnight, navigating the complexities of every day life. “The man was going by it and I had my very own fair proportion of it too. So it was simple to attach with one thing I used to be coping with or one thing he was coping with.”
Gideon hopes this authenticity resonates with everybody who watches the movie. He believes {that a} movie loses its essence if viewers can’t see a mirrored image of themselves within the characters.
He hopes the on a regular basis Nigerian, and anybody can see their struggles mirrored in Tòkunbọ̀’s story. “It’s the identical 24 hours, however we actually run a mile over it. I hope the movie resonates with the typical individual throughout societal courses—it’s for humanity, not simply Nigerians.”
Past the gripping narrative Tòkunbọ̀ affords, the movie explores urgent points akin to corruption, crime, energy struggles, and sexism. Ramsey explains that his intent was to seize varied aspects of the social material and replicate the present realities inside our society.
In a world the place girls are sometimes marginalised, underrepresented in management roles, and compelled to decide on between profession ambitions and household life, Ramsey confronts these challenges head-on, reminding us that girls can stability each realms.
“I used to be attempting to see how we are able to emasculate the essence of the ability of ladies in society, emphasising their capabilities and potential. I centered on addressing sexism, highlighting the significance of empowering girls. I additionally method it from the girl’s perspective, guaranteeing an emotional connection to the problem. This angle permits her to make a vital selection between her work and the calls for positioned on her, striving to keep up energy in each areas with out compromise.
Regardless of the pressures, she doesn’t give in to what others demand. As a substitute, she tries to navigate the scenario, showcasing {that a} lady’s power is multifaceted. I emphasised this strongly as I consider it to be a compelling strategy to push the agenda of ladies’s empowerment.”
Now streaming on Netflix, Ramsey characterises Tòkunbọ̀ as a “good thriller” and is hopeful about how viewers will understand and obtain the movie.
“I don’t have the foresight into the expectations of what folks will say. I simply hold it open and stay optimistic. My solely want is that all of them adore it. And in the event that they adore it, then that’s ok for me.”
