Intensity makes ‘Vaya’ a huge blast

Film project a cut above the rest

TITLE Vaya

CAST Warren Masemola, Sibusiso Msimang, Zimkitha Nyoka, Nomonde Mbusi and Sihle Xaba

REVIEWER Mapula Nkosi

Planned for release in September last year, local action movie Vaya finally made it to local screens only last month after showing in various film festivals around the world, including at the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival.

Warren Masemola has already been typecast as a township skelm in various TV roles including in Saints and Sinners and Heist. Seeing his name in the cast of Vaya, and knowing that his role comes with a gun would have already made many people form wrong opinions about it before even buying the ticket.

Do not despair though, despite the genesis of movies and TV programmes such as Jerusalema and Yizo Yizo that could make you feel like you know this Jim comes to Joburg story. Vaya boasts fresh and intense actors, as well as the raw cinematography and excellent directing, making this movie a cut above the rest.

First, director Akin Omotoso managed to portray Masemola as local gangster Xolani in the typical big-thug role with a different type of fire. You do not see him shooting anyone at will, but his delivery of the evil villain is sophisticated and scary.

What makes the movie work more is the casting of the other three key roles, with new talent coming to the fore.

With our local eyes tired from the phalanx of highly recycled talent due to the pie being so small to share, it was a revelation to see new faces that are about to challenge established talent.

I read somewhere that casting veteran Moonyeen Lee was tasked with the project and managed to secure interesting new actors who make up over 80% of the cast.

The story tells the tale of three rural characters sent to Joburg by their families to fulfil certain duties, only to experience the harsh and dehumanising effect of Jozi.

Stand-out performances are from main actors Zimkitha Nyoka playing Zanele, Sihle Xaba as Nhlanhla and Sibusiso Msimang as Nkulu.

This is a worthy project by Omotoso and not just another story about the reality of crime and poverty in a big city. Verdict: Excellent

/ SUPPLIED Zimkitha Nyoka, who plays Zanele in ‘Vaya’, is one of the fresh faces in the SA movie which made its mark in popular festivals around the world, including the esteemed Toronto Film Festival.