By Sharon Awino
Published December 28, 2023
Villains in the Metropolis (VITM) is the latest film from Kenya to be acquired by Netflix.
The fast-paced crime thriller that premiered on December 15 just on time for the Christmas and New Year holiday season, has sold its Africa rights to Netflix through German-based agency, Rushlake Media GmbH.
Sarah Hassan, also a Netflix-featured producer, plays Lora, the main character who morphs into a heartless murderer after a positive pregnancy test and a cheating lover.
The tall, dark and oh-so handsome Lucarelli Onyango delivers a character difficult to either love or hate in this very dark triangle of love…and hate.
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While DJ Pierra Makena stretches her talent to new limits, Raymond Ofula, multiple award-winning and everybody’s favourite actor is, as alawys, effortlessly flawless. Perhaps more so than usual in the role of a police general that raises more questions than it answers.
Aseem Sharma is seen handling both guns and tough tech with aplomb in a pleasant shift from gender typecasting.
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Radio presenter, thespian and TV actor Vikash Pattni makes a compelling cinema debut as he combines sharp wit and sleuthing skills for necessary humorous breaks in the 81-minute film.
The main villain is portrayed convincingly by Bilal Mwaura.
Executive Producer June Wainaina also features as cast in this plot-twisting love triangle, written and directed by Dancurf Brown.
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With the excellent make-up and effects it is easy to wonder if indeed a real gunshot wound was actually inflicted, given his realistic portrayals of pain, and panic! Everything about the performance of this seasoned thespian was super dramatic …and genuinely quite scary!
Seasoned actress Shayda Delgush shows off her extensive range in an evocative flashback role alongside Arabron Nyyneque, a familiar face to many from his years in the industry.
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Producers of the film are Musyoki Kivindyo (Associate Producer), Tushar Vyas, Aseem Sharma, Belinda Aswes and Jean Paul Ilunga.
DoP Willie Owusu showcases his wealth of cinematography prowess, having more than 10 years of experience in the field.