Leon Schuster’s slapstick comedy Mr Bones 2 has become the highest grossing South African film of all time, having earned over R35m since its release at the local box office on 27 November.
Created by Schuster, the Mr Bones franchise was introduced in 2001 with Mr Bones 1 and saw the beginning of a successful collaboration between Schuster and producer Anant Singh and Videovision Entertainment. The Mr Bones franchise has since become the most successful film franchise ever created in South Africa.
The diligent anti-piracy efforts of the South African Federation Against Copyright Theft (SAFAC) have contributed to the film’s box office success by preventing it from falling prey to piracy. This is the first time that a local film has evaded the actions of pirates. Schuster’s previous film, Mama Jack, was a victim of piracy which substantially reduced its box office earnings.
Commenting on Mr Bones’ two box office success, executive producer and Videovision Entertainment’s head of Distribution, Sanjeev Singh said, “We are thrilled to have broken another record with Mr Bones 2. The continued box office success of the film firmly entrenches Leon Schuster as South Africa’s Number One Box Office Attraction. We acknowledge the sterling anti-piracy efforts of James Lennox and the SAFACT team on Mr Bones 2 and all other films.’
Mr Bones 2 will be released on Monday, 16 March 2009 on DVD by Nu Metro Home Entertainment for rental and retail. Stores anticipate that it will be the Number One title this year. It is a Videovision Entertainment release through United International Pictures (South Africa).
Mr Bones 2: Back From The Past is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with the SABC, Distant Horizon and Mr Bones (Pty) Ltd. The film stars Leon Schuster, Leeanda Reddy, Tongayi Chirisa and Kaseran Pillay. It is edited by Johan Lategan and director of photography is Chris Schutte with music by Didi Kriel. The film is executive produced by Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh with the screenplay by Leon Schuster and Gray Hofmeyr. It is produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring and directed by Gray Hofmeyr.
