Action lovers are in for a treat.
Deon Meyer’s beloved novel Heart of the Hunter is reimagined with the movie of the same name, which sets the tone for the high standard of thrills, stunts and gripping dialogue.
Renowned director Mandla Dube – who has brought to South Africa award-winning stories like Silverton Siege – takes on the glorious task of bringing to life the story of a retired secret assassin who is called back into the line of duty to share information that could take down the corrupt presidential candidate.
Releasing on 29 March 2024, the film introduces Bonko Khoza as Zuko Khumalo, who’s character’s name in the book is changed from Tiny Mpayipheli, and a myriad of talented thespians like Connie Ferguson, Sisanda Henna and Masasa Mbangeni to conjure up a thrilling and impactful story.
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What would an action film be without captivating and realistic fight sequences? TRUELOVE spoke with some of the main cast of the film to get insight into their fascinating characters.
Connie Ferguson as Molebogeng ‘Mo’ Kwena
The seasoned actor takes on a more villainous role as director of the PIA Mo Kwena. At the beck and call of the corrupt presidential candidate Daza Mtima, Connie brings to life a no-nonsense and ruthless character.
"Mo is a powerful woman, and I enjoy playing complex, vulnerable ambitious women. I draw inspiration from all the women around me and channel that when tackling a new character."
Bonko Khoza as Zuko Khumalo
Red Ink actor Bonko Khoza is the main character in this action thriller. He plays Zuko, a retired assassin pulled back into the dangerous world of secret intelligence and corrupt politicians when an old colleague leaves him a monumental task.
"I really believe my job as an actor is really to get to the crux of the stakes and then once I've really found that singular thing, maybe two or three things, but the more I can hone in on a single idea and then I kind of oppose that against all of the obstacles. And I think Zuko in essence, he's a man of family. Family, honour, integrity and I honed so strongly into those things and I allow then the obstacles to pull me or offend that and kind of see how I'd react."
Masasa Mbangeni as Malime Mambi
Malime Mambi brings to Heart of the Hunter a soft yet strong maternal aura. Her character is Zuko’s love interest and shows us how love lives on no matter the circumstances.
"We created such a safety and such a world for ourselves and kudos to our director Mandla, who encouraged us to go and do things with each other so go have coffees together. Bonko would exchange songs with me and go, 'Do you think that uZuko would send this song to Malime?' to try and create this imaginary world that him and I are privy to that when we come on to the floor, which is very rushed like people are trying to get things done, we know our quick in to let us slip into that moment because we've created a language for ourselves so that was great."
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Milan Murray as Beth Manning
Milan Murray plays Beth, an agent and right-hand to Mo at the Presidential Intelligence Agency. Her quiet strength and sharp eye make for an engaging character that isn't one to be messed with.
"This is a thriller, it’s an action thriller, and they are so many action scenes in it, and I knew that Beth and the office environment at the PIA will be the paradox or juxtaposition of sort of the more quieter space. So, what I found challenging was to find her quiet strength and a tone of voice and a delivery that will be a nice paradox between all these action scenes and fast paced narratives."
Nicole Fortuin as Naledi Gumede
In the film, Nicole Fortuin’s character Naledi Gumede works alongside Beth at the PIA and reports any new findings to Mo. Her character presents a world of twists and turns that are sure to keep every viewer’s eyes glued to their screens.
"My first scene in the film was my most emotional and so, that posed challenges as an actor to get there without having shot anything else with anyone else. But at the same time it's kind of why we do it. So, it's that question of can I do it, can I surrender, can I trust mysef, can I trust the director, can I trust the moment? ... With Naledi there were many moments that I really enjoyed. I obviously enjoyed the little stunts and all of that, the physicality of it, but I also really enjoyed playing with Connie and Milan and then playing with Masasa."
Sisanda Henna as Daza Mtima
The dangerous and corrupt presidential candidate Daza Mtima is at the top of the criminal food chain in this gripping action thriller. He calls all the shots to ensure he stays right where he is.
"uDeputy president Daza Mtima is your hot shot political - uyazi mos, he was once a youth league president and he went up the ranks and now he's deputy president and basically he wants to take over as president in the upcoming elections, he's [as] hardcore as they come. He's a mix nje of - let me not even mention their names - but your favourite politicians that you love to hate."
