Nollywood’s 2025 cinematic landscape opened with a bang thanks to "Katangari Goes to Town," a murder mystery that brings the classic whodunit genre into the heart of Nigeria.
Directed by Reuben Reng and streaming exclusively on Prime Video, this film is a smart, suspenseful, and deeply Nigerian take on the murder mystery formula, blending intrigue, humor, and family drama in a way that both honors and reinvents the genre for local audiences.
Plot Synopsis and Main Themes.
Set in the bustling city of Abuja, "Katangari Goes to Town" follows Choji Katangari (Segun Arinze), a retired police inspector and local vigilante from the North Central village of Tahos, Plateau State. Katangari’s peaceful rural life is shattered when he’s summoned to the city to investigate the murder of his wealthy cousin, Chief Bello Gyang (Edward Fom).
Before his death, Chief Gyang leaves a self-recorded video revealing that someone in his inner circle—his family, business partner, or pastor—has been plotting his demise, and that his will cannot be read until Katangari uncovers the killer.
The suspects, all confined to the late chief’s mansion, include his current wife Sofia (Munachi Abii), ex-wife Ulan (Iretiola Doyle), son Wash (Victor Panwal), daughter Chatong (Gbubemi Ejeye), business partner Audu (Sani Mu’azu), personal assistant Mima (Patience Ujah), and the enigmatic Pastor Dominion (Bethel Njoku, aka Senator). As Katangari digs deeper, he unearths a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and hidden motives, with each character wearing their own metaphorical mask.
The film explores themes of justice, family loyalty, betrayal, greed, and self-evaluation. At its core, it’s a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the painful truths that can lie beneath the surface of even the closest families. The narrative also touches on the tension between tradition and modernity, with Katangari’s authority as the eldest family member echoing Nigerian cultural norms.
Lead Performances: A Showcase of Nollywood Talent.
Segun Arinze anchors the film with a commanding performance as Katangari. His portrayal is a masterclass in subtlety, and grit—Katangari is no-nonsense, clever, and meticulous, but also flawed and deeply human. Arinze’s physical transformation, complete with (somewhat unconvincing) white hair and beard, adds gravitas, even if the makeup occasionally falters.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Iretiola Doyle shines as the embittered ex-wife Ulan, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. Munachi Abii’s Sofia is both glamorous and cunning, while Gbubemi Ejeye and Victor Panwal deliver strong turns as the late chief’s conflicted children. Sani Mu’azu’s Audu, the business partner with a gambling problem, and Bethel Njoku’s Pastor Dominion provide both tension and comic relief, the latter’s understated comedic style a highlight of the film.
Perhaps the film’s biggest surprise is Patience Ujah as Mima, the personal assistant. Ujah’s performance is magnetic, her character’s loyalty and charm masking a much darker side. She emerges as an unexpected scene-stealer, her presence lingering long after the credits roll.
Direction, Cinematography, and Production Quality.
Director Reuben Reng deserves credit for skillfully weaving together the film’s many threads. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to become invested in each character’s story and motive. The screenplay by Emil Garuba and Paul S. Rowston is tight, with dialogue that feels authentic and scenes that crackle with tension.
Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography captures both the grandeur of Abuja’s cityscapes and the intimacy of the mansion’s interiors, creating a sense of claustrophobia that heightens the suspense. The use of Northern Nigerian language and cultural references grounds the story in its setting, while the costumes and set design evoke both tradition and modern luxury.
However, the film isn’t without its technical flaws. Some viewers have noted issues with sound quality and occasional lapses in attention to detail, such as the artificial look of Katangari’s white hair and beard. There’s also a notable plot hole regarding a previously hired detective whose murder is never fully explained, leaving a loose end that detracts slightly from the film’s otherwise tight plotting.
How Katangari Goes to Town Stands Out in 2025 Nollywood
Katangari Goes to Town distinguishes itself by bringing the classic murder mystery—often associated with Western cinema—into a distinctly Nigerian context. The film’s structure is reminiscent of Hollywood’s *Knives Out*, but its heart is all Nigerian, from the interplay of family and tradition to the subtle commentary on power dynamics, religion, and societal expectations.
The film’s humor, especially through Pastor Dominion, balances the tension and keeps the narrative from becoming too heavy. The relatability of the characters and their motives, rooted in Nigerian philosophies and everyday realities, makes the story resonate with local audiences.
Moreover, the ensemble cast of Nollywood veterans and rising stars ensures that every character feels lived-in and authentic, a testament to the industry’s growing depth of talent.
Audience and Critical Reception.
Since its release on Prime Video on January 4, 2025, "Katangari Goes to Town" has generated significant buzz. Critics have praised the film’s storytelling, performances, and cultural authenticity, with many calling it a strong contender for one of the year’s best Nollywood releases. The film’s blend of suspense and humor has been widely appreciated, though some reviewers have noted that the lack of a truly shocking twist and the predictability of the killer’s identity dampen the suspense for seasoned mystery fans.
Audience response has been enthusiastic, particularly for Segun Arinze’s lead performance and Patience Ujah’s breakout role. The film’s streaming numbers on Prime Video have been robust, with "Katangari Goes to Town" trending in Nigeria during its opening week.
Final Verdict and Rating
Katangari Goes to Town is a commendable and entertaining addition to Nollywood’s growing roster of genre films. It successfully adapts the murder mystery formula to a Nigerian setting, offering viewers a story that is both familiar and refreshingly local. While not without its flaws—chief among them a few technical missteps and a somewhat predictable resolution—the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Final Rating: 7.5/10
If you’re a fan of suspense, family drama, and a touch of humor, "Katangari Goes to Town" is well worth your time. It’s a film that will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and perhaps even inspire you to look a little closer at the secrets hidden behind the walls of every family home.
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