FILM NEWS

Bollywood meets South Africa in local heist film

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:42

Local heist film 31 Million Reasons will open at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide on 13 January.

Based on true events of 1997, the film tells the tale of the fictionalised local detective, Ronnie Gopal, who has illusions of being above the criminal class and wants to clean up his act... but only by orchestrating the biggest cash heist in South African history.

In 1997 R31m was stolen in the middle of the night from a cash holding facility in Durban. Urban legend tells that there was more money at the deposit facility than was ever made public and most of the cash has never been found. In the film, it is only when the group of corrupt policemen return to their hideout after the heist that they discover they’ve in fact stolen far more than the R1m they intended which changes the playing field considerably.

Jack Devnarain, renowned as Rajesh from Isidingo, is the local star taking the lead role as Ronnie; who tries desperately to keep the gang together, but as the temptation to spend the cash culminates the gang spiral out of control.

Local director John Barker and celebrated local producers Ross Garland and Brad Logan (responsible for Spud) have recreated this mysterious tale of betrayal and greed with charismatic characters and a good dose of dark humour and charm. The film showcases Durban’s unique blend of culture in a third world, east meets west in the southern hemisphere eclectic mix.

“This dynamic culture clash is a great visual backdrop. However, the key visual element of the film is the Indian influence. The South African Indian community is fascinating as it has its own set of social rules and traditions. It has a particular sense of humour and its own guidelines for right and wrong,” reveals director John Barker.

Fiaz Mahomed, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theatres is proud to be associated with the screening of this film: “Ster-Kinekor Theatres is incredibly pleased to be such an active and ardent supporter of the burgeoning local film industry. Films such as Jozi, Spud, and the jewel in the home-grown film industry’s crown, Tsosti, have increasingly put South Africa on the film-makers map and as such we have seen further growth of the film and acting talent in this country. Our vibrant and developing industry is also competitive internationally. Local and foreign filmmakers are taking advantage of the country's diverse and unique locations – as well as low production costs, great talent and a favourable exchange rate. It is upon this back drop that a proudly South African Ster-Kinekor will continue to help cultivate local content and give it a platform to receive the recognition it deserves.”

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