Nigeria’s enigma-themed movie with a dose of comic relief, Katangari Goes To Town, is the first Nollywood movie in 2025 to be premiered on Prime Video. Released January 4, 2025, with a PG-13 rating.
Nollywood kicks off 2025 with Katangari Goes to Town, a murder mystery that lands exclusively on Prime Video. However, does it live up to expectations?
Katangari Goes To Town was directed by Reuben Reng, with a screenplay crafted by Emil Garuba and Paul S. Rowlston, this film mixes the classic show don’t tell formula with rich Nigerian storytelling.
The Premise
Set in Northern Nigeria, Katangari Goes to Town follows retired police inspector Katangari (Segun Arinze), who has long left the force but still carries the instincts of a seasoned detective.
Despite living a quiet and peaceful life, Katangari still had a knack for catching thieves. The movie opens with him going undercover to catch petty criminals in his community.
After seeing the intro, honestly, I had high hopes for this movie and I expected the aha! experience Everybody Loves Jenifa gave me.
Katangari’s quiet life in the village is disrupted when he’s called to Abuja to solve the murder of his wealthy cousin, Chief Bello Gyang (Edward Fom), in fear of losing his home, Katangari embarks on a life-changing journey to town.
Before his death, Chief Bello recorded a video revealing that someone close to him had been plotting his demise.
The will remain sealed until Katangari unmasks the killer, and so, Katangari finds himself in a mansion filled with suspects. In the house are the chief’s wife (Munachi Abii), his ex-wife (Iretiola Doyle), his son (Victor Panwal), his daughter (Gbubemi Ejeye), his business partner (Sani Mu’azu), his lawyer (Abdulfatai Otori), and an eccentric pastor (Bethel Njoku).
Tension runs high as secrets unravel, making every character a suspect. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, a new clue emerges. Although, people with a keen eye for movies like me, will be able to spot the obvious killer from the beginning.
Well, It is not in my place to spoil this lovely movie for you, you’ll have fun watching.
Cast & Performances
Nollywood brought out both seasoned veterans and rising stars for this film, and the performances did not disappoint.
Segun Arinze (Katangari)
The heart of the movie, his incredible acting and commanding demeanor was something viewers were bound to feel in every scene his character popped in.
His sharp, no-nonsense attitude and methodical approach make him the perfect lead. He reminded me of our very own Sherlock Holmes, or perhaps, Voke (from Suspicion) on steroids.
Despite the questionable white beard, his performance remains top-tier.
Iretiola Doyle (Ulan, the Ex-Wife)
You will certainly know her from Lady Koi Koi, she played the role of Reverend Mother, and just as you can imagine, she brought her strong, controlling acting skills in this movie.
Let’s not forget her glares too, she was my number one suspect because she naturally looked suspicious coupled with the fact, that her role as Ulan was a bitter and pained ex-wife.
If not for her unsaid history with Kantagari, she would have been arrested the moment he found out his cousin was murdered.
Munachi Abii (Sofia, the Wife)
She plays the role of a grieving widow well, adding layers to her character. A young second wife who is full of life, she would crave the attention of a younger blood, thankfully she didn’t look too far, her butler was right there to help.
Bethel Njoku (Pastor Dominion)
A standout for comic relief I talked about at the initial. His exaggerated mannerisms and outlandish faith-based theatrics keep the film from getting too heavy.
He is still a prime suspect though, don’t let the pink suit and ‘hallelujah’ fool you.
Patience Ujah (Mima)
Our very own PA, she’s a character you will notice and grow to love, her passion for uncovering who Chief Bello’s murderer has left her in a bloody situation.
One would say she over did her job as a personal assistant. But her love for the Chief seemed to be fueling such passion.
The Supporting Cast in Katangari Goes To Town – While everyone played their roles convincingly, a few performances could have used more depth.
Although, the script ensures each character has their moment of suspicion.
What Worked In Kantagari Goes To Town?
A Proper Nigerian crime thriller, a genre that keeps you guessing till the end. While it carries some Knives Out vibes, this movie proudly embraces its Nigerian roots.
From its cultural themes to its Northern setting, the movie feels authentic, it subtly highlights Nigeria’s beautiful topography, making sure the scenery adds detail to the storytelling.
Also the use of local languages (Hausa) and traditional values, like Katangari being the family’s new authority figure, make it stand out.
Tension & Suspense, the film keeps you guessing throughout. No one is safe from suspicion.
Comic relief was done right with Pastor Dominion stealing the show whenever things get too serious. His over-the-top reactions and misplaced faith-based statements are hilarious.
Katangari Goes To Town was visually impressive too, the cinematography and set design do justice to the grandeur of the chief’s mansion, and adding exotic wildlife like the peacock was the icing on the cake.
The visuals match the mood of the mystery.
What Didn’t Work In Katangari Goes To Town?
Katangari’s Beard & Makeup, I felt my skin itch each time I saw it and I am sure Segun’s skin did itch too. Let’s be honest, the artificial white hair was distracting and quite laughable.
Nollywood has improved in makeup, so this was a bit of a letdown.
A Loose End in the Plot didn’t sit quite well with me, the film introduces an earlier detective who was hired by the chief but mysteriously dies, with no explanation as to what might have killed him, neither did the murderer confess to murdering the said detective.
However, the movie never revisits this subplot, leaving a noticeable gap in the story.
Verdict
Is Katangari Goes To Town Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Katangari Goes to Town is a bold and entertaining take on the murder mystery genre, infused with Nigerian culture and humor.
While it has its flaws, the story, performances, and suspenseful twists make it a solid watch.
I suggest you watch it with an open heart and not with scrutiny like I did, you might find yourself catching loopholes, funny ones like the Canva site that gave Katangari the final piece he needed to solve the murder puzzle.
My Rating
I would rate this movie a 3 out of 5 stars.
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