Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

Last updated

Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
Rattlesnake, The Ahanna Story.jpeg
Directed by Ramsey Nouah
Screenplay by Nicole Asinugo
Story byNicole Asinugo
Produced byChris Odeh
Charles Okpaleke
Starring Stan Nze
Chiwetalu Agu
Osas Ighodaro
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Ayo Makun
Music by Larry Gaaga
Production
companies
Play Network Studios
Ramsey Films
Distributed byFilmone Distributions
Release date
  • 13 November 2020 (2020-11-13)
Running time
145 minutes
CountryNigeria
LanguageEnglish
Box office₦70 million [1]

Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story also known as The Armadas is a 2020 Nigerian thriller action film executive produced by Charles Okpaleke and directed by Ramsey Nouah. [2] It is the official remake of the 1995 Nigerian classic action thriller film Rattlesnake which was directed by Amaka Igwe. [3] The film stars Stan Nze, Chiwetalu Agu, Osas Ighodaro, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Ayo Makun in the lead roles. [4] It had its theatrical release on 13 November 2020. [5] It received mixed reviews from critics and ranked 24th overall on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time at the end of its theatrical run. [6] It is regarded as one of the best Nigerian films of 2020. [7]

Contents

Synopsis

Ahanna (Stan Nze), an unemployed graduate, is frustrated with his current situation, and travels to Lagos in search of his mother Nancy (Chiyere Wilfred) who left their village with his siblings and his uncle Odinaka (Chiwetalu Agu) after his father Louis's (Sunny McDon) funeral. Upon arriving in Lagos Ahanna is robbed, but after collaborating with a book trader for some cash he locates his mother's Lekki residence. Ahanna is disgusted to discover that Nancy, now living in luxury, is now married to his uncle, and his siblings currently reside in with a relative in America. He storms out of the house and pays a visit to his old friends, Nze and his sister Amara (Osas Ighodaro). Nze confides in Ahanna about his colossal debt to drug kingpin Ali Mahmood (Norbert Young) who has threatened to kill him in two days unless the money is repaid. Ahanna suggests they rob Odinaka, and he and Nze both break into the property at night. Ahanna's mother recognises her masked son when an envelope bearing his name drops to the floor, and he demands to know how Odinaka had killed Louis whose death he had always considered suspicious. Odinaka then drops a bombshell - not only were he and Nancy having a secret affair when Ahanna's father was still alive, but he was the biological father of Ahanna's brother Naza.

Ahanna and Nze assemble a group of men called "The Armadas" with several different skills, carrying out a series of spectacular heists. But things take a swift u-turn and the gang suddenly find themselves with better enemies on both sides. [8]

Cast

Production

The film project was the second directorial venture for director Ramsey Nouah after Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019). [9] This also marked the second collaboration between director Ramsey Nouah and producer Charles Okpaleke after 2019 Nigerian drama film Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. The film was made following the box office success of Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and the film was announced as modern day remake of 1995 classic film Rattlesnake. [10] The announcement regarding the film remake was revealed by the producer in March 2020. [11] It was initially speculated to be the sequel of Rattlesnake but the film producer refused the speculations stating that it is the remake of the yesteryear film in modern day. [12]

Sonny McDon was the only cast member of the 1995 film who was retained to play the supporting role in the remake. [13] Stan Nze was played the titular role as Ahanna, the lead character which was initially played by Francis Duru in Rattlesnake. [14] [15] Second runner-up of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown Nengi Rebecca Hampson also played a supporting role in the film and was her film acting debut. [16]

The first look poster of the film was unveiled by the Play Network Studios on 1 September 2020 via Instagram. [17] Most of the portions of the film were predominantly shot in Lagos, Abuja and Cape Town, South Africa. The film was shot within a duration of just four weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. [13] [5]

Soundtrack

The music for the film is scored by Larry Gaaga. [18] A total of eight tracks were composed for the album featuring A-list Afrobeats artistes. The soundtrack album opened to extremely positive reception. [19]

Release and box office

The film was premiered at the FilmHouse Cinemas in Lagos on 11 November 2020 prior to the theatrical release. [20] It was theatrically released on 13 November 2020 coinciding with the nationwide End SARS protests in Nigeria against the SARS police band. [5] The film made over ₦13 million (₦13,567,700) in the opening week since its theatrical release. [21] The final cumulative stood at ₦70,381,550 at the box office. [1]

In a review by Culture Custodian, Franklin Ugobude said "The curse of every remake is the inevitable comparison to the original and whether it stacks up to it or not, and The Ahanna Story simply cannot lace the boots of Amaka Igwe's Rattlesnake." [22] Another reviewer rated the movie 6.2/10 saying "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story is entertaining and exhausting all at once... but at the same time, it leaves you tingling with pride at the fact that filmmaking in Nollywood has grown in leaps." [23]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef
2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role Gloria Anozie-Young Nominated [24]
Best Nigerian Film Rattlesnake: The Ahanna StoryNominated
Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actor in a Leading roleStan NzeWon [25] [26]
Best Actress in a Lead role Osas Ighodaro Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting roleBuchi FranklinWon
Best EditingRattlesnake: The Ahanna StoryWon
Best CinematographyWon
Movie with the Best SoundNominated
Movie with the Best ScreenplayNominated
Movie with the Best EditingNominated
Movie with the Best CinematographyNominated
Best Use of Costume in a MovieNominated
Movie of the YearNominated
Director of the YearRamsey NouahNominated
Best Kiss in a MovieStan Nze/Osas IghodaroNominated
Movie with the Best SoundtrackRattlesnake: The Ahanna StoryNominated
2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Supporting ActorBucci FranklinNominated [27] [28] [29]
Best Actress in A DramaOsas IghodaroWon
Best Actor in A DramaStan NzeWon
Best Art DirectorPat NeboNominated
Best Lighting DesignerMathew YusufWon
Best Sound TrackLarry GaagaaNominated
Best Make UpCarina OjokoNominated
Best CinematographerMuhammed Atta AhmedWon
Best Movie West Africa Chris Odeh Nominated
Best Overall MovieRamsey Nouah and Chris OdehNominated
Best DirectorRamsey NouahWon

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramsey Nouah</span> Nigerian actor

Ramsey Nouah is a Nigerian actor and director. He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2010 for his performance in the movie The Figurine. He made his directorial debut with the film Living in Bondage: Breaking Free in 2019 and also went on to direct Nollywood classic Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story which is a remake of Rattlesnake (1995).

<i>Ijé</i> 2010 film by Chineze Anyaene

Ijé or Ijé: The Journey is a 2010 Nigerian drama film directed by Chineze Anyaene and starring Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, and Odalys García.

<i>Living in Bondage</i> 1992 Nigerian film

Living in Bondage is a 1992/93 Nigerian two-part drama thriller film directed by Chris Obi Rapu, written by Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, produced by Ogunjiofor, and sponsored by Jafac Wine. The film was shot straight-to-video, and starred Kenneth Okonkwo and Nnenna Nwabueze in their breakout roles. It is regarded as the first Nigerian home video which achieved blockbuster success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy Johnson</span> Nigerian actress (born 1984)

Mercy Johnson Okojie is a Nigerian actress, film director and film producer. She went to a Rivers State Secondary School for her secondary education in addition to the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Right after her secondary education, she auditioned for a role in the movie titled The Maid and subsequently acted in other movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America,and War in the Palace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Osas Ighodaro</span> Nigerian-American actress

Osas Ighodaro ; born October 26th is a Nigerian American actress, producer, host and humanitarian. She won the Miss Black USA Pageant in 2010, and founded the Joyful Joy Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds to fight malaria. Osas emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress of 2018, and was awarded Best Actress in a Drama consecutively at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God, respectively.

<i>A Private Storm</i> 2010 Nigerian film

A Private Storm is a 2010 Nigerian romantic drama film, co-directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and Ikechukwu Onyeka. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ufuoma Ejenobor and John Dumelo. It was premiered on 18 December 2010 at Four Points Hotel, Lekki.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blossom Chukwujekwu</span> Nigerian actor

Blossom Chukwujekwu is a Nigerian actor, who made his professional acting debut in 2009. In 2015, he won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

<i>Gbomo Gbomo Express</i> 2015 film

Gbomo Gbomo Express is a 2015 Nigerian caper comedy film, written and directed by Walter Taylaur. It stars Ramsey Nouah, Osas Ighodaro, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Kiki Omeili, Alexx Ekubo, Gideon Okeke, Gbenro Ajibade, Ikechukwu Onunaku and Shafy Bello. The film is a spin-off of Married to the Game, a television series, also directed by Walter Taylaur for EbonyLife TV.

<i>Living in Bondage: Breaking Free</i> 2019 Nigerian film

Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, also known as Living in Bondage II, is a 2019 Nigerian supernatural thriller executive produced by Charles Okpaleke. A sequel to the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, the film stars Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Enyinna Nwigwe, and Muna Abii, with Swanky JKA in his breakout role. Ramsey Nouah, who makes his directorial debut, plays the main villain. It received mostly positive reviews and ranked 11th overall on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time at the end of its theatrical run. The film premiered on Netflix in May 2020.

Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian writer, director and producer and founder of Greoh Studios. She is known for Isoken (2017), Sugar Rush (2019), Brotherhood (2022) and Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original film set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. In September 2022, Osiberu's Greoh Studios signed a three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films.

Jennifer Okere was a Nigerian actress and one of the pioneers of the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) in the 1990s. Her two ground-breaking Nollywood blockbuster movies, Living in Bondage and Glamour Girls have been re-adapted. She was the posthumous recipient, of the 2016 Afro Heritage Broadcasting and Entertainment Awards (AHBEA) in Houston, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Efa Iwara</span> Nigerian actor and rapper

Efa Iwara, also known as Efa, is a Nigerian actor and rapper.

<i>Rattlesnake</i> (1995 film) 1995 Nigerian film

Rattlesnake is a 1995 Nigerian action film written and directed by Amaka Igwe and produced by Austin Awulonu. It was Amaka Igwe's first foray into making a feature length film and was made in 3 parts. It features Francis Duru, Okechukwu Igwe, Nkem Owoh, Anne Njemanze and Ernest Obi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Nze</span> Nigerian actor

Stanley Ebuka Nzediegwu known professionally as Stan Nze is a Nigerian actor known for his role in the 2020 remake of Amaka Igwe's Rattlesnake. Stan won the 2022 AMVCA Award under the 'Best Actor in Drama' category for his role played in Rattlesnake.

<i>Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story</i> (soundtrack) 2020 studio album by Larry Gaaga

Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story soundtrack is an album produced by Larry Gaaga. It is the official soundtrack album of the movie Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.

The 2021 Best of Nollywood Awards is the 13th edition of the ceremony that took place in Lokoja, Kogi State on 11 December 2021

The 2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards held on Saturday, 14 May 2022 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. It was set an 8-day event which started on Saturday, 7 May 2022, unlike previous 1 day events.

The Perfect Arrangement is a 2022 Nigerian film co-produced by Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Entertainment and directed by Chinaza Onuzo. The film stars Sharon Ooja, Pere Egbi, Bovi, Adunni Ade, Funsho Adeolu, Mr Macaroni, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Rotimi Salami, Mimi Chaka, Wofai Fada, Ummi Baba Ahmed and many others. The movie hit the cinemas nationwide on May 13, 2022, following the premiere that held in Lagos on May 8, 2022.

Chris Odeh is a Nigerian film producer and film maker.

References

  1. 1 2 "Top 20 Films Report 1st 3rd January 2020".
  2. ↑ "'Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' trailer is finally here!". Pulse Nigeria. 3 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  3. ↑ "Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde to star in upcoming 'Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story'". Pulse Nigeria. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  4. ↑ "Osas Ighodaro, Efa Iwara, Stan Nze to star in 'Rattle Snake' remake directed by Ramsey Nouah". Pulse Nigeria. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 "'Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' to premiere in cinemas November 13". Pulse Nigeria. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  6. ↑ "'Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' does everything but rattle [Pulse movie review]". Pulse Nigeria. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  7. ↑ "These Are The Best Nigerian Films of 2020". OkayAfrica. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  8. ↑ "'A Remake for a New Generation': Rattlesnake, The Ahanna Story Premieres in Cinemas". Arise News. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  9. ↑ nollywoodreinvented (16 September 2020). "COMING SOON: RattleSnake - The Ahanna Story". Nollywood Reinvented. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  10. ↑ "Play Network, Ramsey Nouah remake Nollywood classic Rattlesnake: The Ahanna story". Vanguard News. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  11. ↑ "Charles Okpaleke & Filmone sign production & distribution deal for 'Rattle Snake' remake". Pulse Nigeria. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  12. ↑ "How Charles Okpaleke picks classic Nollywood films to remake". Pulse Nigeria. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  13. 1 2 "Veteran actor, Sonny McDon, buzzed to reprise role in Rattlesnake remake". Pulse Nigeria. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  14. ↑ "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story star, Stan Eze, says remake 'way bigger' than original". Pulse Nigeria. 26 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  15. ↑ BellaNaija.com (21 September 2020). "Stan Nze is the Star of "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story," Find Out All There Is to Know About Him in this Exclusive Interview". BellaNaija. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  16. ↑ "BBNaija Nengi joins 'Rattlesnake' cast & crew in SA". Pulse Nigeria. 10 October 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  17. ↑ "Here's a first look at 'Rattle Snake The Ahanna Story'". Pulse Nigeria. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  18. ↑ "Larry Gaaga begins production of 'RattleSnake' soundtrack". 8 April 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  19. ↑ "With his 'Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story' soundtrack album, Larry Gaaga hits the bulls eye yet again [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  20. ↑ "The Rattlesnake movie premiere draws out the fiercest of us all". Pulse Nigeria. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  21. ↑ "'Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' earns over N13 million in opening week". Pulse Nigeria. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  22. ↑ Ugobude, Franklin (30 November 2020). "Review: Rattlesnake Shines, But Not Bright Enough". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014). Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  23. ↑ Nwajiaku, Vivian Nneka. "Movie Review: Rattlesnake - The Ahanna Story". Afrokritik. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  24. ↑ Banjo, Noah (29 October 2021). "FULL LIST: Ayinla, Omo Ghetto: The Saga bag multiple nominations at AMAA 2021". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  25. ↑ Ojo, James (12 September 2021). "FULL LIST: 'The Milkmaid', 'Rattle Snake' remake lead nominations for 2021 BON awards". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  26. ↑ "BON Awards 2021: 'Rattlesnake', 'The Milkmaid' win big". 14 December 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  27. ↑ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  28. ↑ "Stan Nze, Osas Ighodaro win big - Full list of all di winners from 2022 AMVCA". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  29. ↑ "Ramsey Noah wins Best director award at 8th edition of AMVCA". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 15 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.