Tedela, others on role in soon-to-be released sci-fi movie ‘Ratnik’

Tope Tedela plays the role of John in the post-apocalyptic Nollywood science fiction film titled ‘Ratnik,’ written, produced and directed by Dimeji Ajibola.   In 2020 Nollywood fans are likely to have their eyes set on the release of ‘Ratnik,’ a science fiction movie set in post-apocalyptic Nigeria. This is no wonder because last year […]

Tope Tedela plays the role of John in the post-apocalyptic Nollywood science fiction film titled ‘Ratnik,’ written, produced and directed by Dimeji Ajibola.

 

In 2020 Nollywood fans are likely to have their eyes set on the release of ‘Ratnik,’ a science fiction movie set in post-apocalyptic Nigeria. This is no wonder because last year its trailer got a lot of attention. The graphics and fight scenes, including costumes used has already made it arguably one of the most anticipated Nigerian movies of this year.

‘Ratnik’s’ cast includes actors like Tope Tedela, Bolanle Ninalowo, Osas Ighodaro, Meg Otanwa, Karibi Fubara, Ani Iyoho and Adunni Ade.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Magazine, Tedela revealed that he found his role both challenging and enjoyable at the same time. “I played the role of John who lives in a sought of post-apocalyptic Nigeria and is hooked on a kind of serum that turns him into an addict,” he said, adding that as a result, this makes John hallucinate.

Tedela is no stranger on screen, born in Lagos, he is known for his role in the TV drama ‘Edge of Paradise,’ way back in 2006 directed by Greg Odutayo, while still in the university. He then went on to feature in ‘Twisted’ in 2007, directed by Niyi Towolawi. In 2012 he took acting classes at Film Factory in Lagos and that same year was cast in the leading role of Lala in the action-drama ‘A Mile from Home.’ His film credits also include roles in ‘Emerald’ (2013), ‘The Hurrying Man (2013), and several more.

In a recap clip Ninalowo said “From the moment I read the first scene I said to myself, ‘How the hell can anyone achieve this in Nigeria? The shots are ridiculous, the locations are out of this world-I mean, this is Hollywood in Nollywood.”

‘Ratnik’ is written, produced and directed by Dimeji Ajibola. In 2012 he released his debut film, a musical titled ‘Hoodrush’ which received two nominations at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Magazine he disclosed that he was first an animator before becoming a filmmaker. “I wanted to tell a story using animation. But I realized that it is painstaking and takes time to do it all by yourself knowing the fact that we don’t have a lot of animation schools or specialists in Nigeria,” he said. “It’s a difficult task. So I decided to go into filmmaking because I always wanted to tell a story. That was how I went to the New York Film Academy in the US in 2009.”

On his experience directing ‘Ratnik,’ Ajibola said he tried as much as possible to do a lot of planning before going onset, especially in the areas of costume and choreography. “There are some areas where the actors had to rehearse with imaginary characters who were later put in the production. I had to explain that to them. They have seen some of the makings in Hollywood movies and so had some idea of what it would take to shoot that kind of movie. At some point some of them were stressed but remained encouraged because it was something they really wanted to be part of,” he said.

‘Ratnik’ is set to be released in March this year.