Production has begun on Kings of Mulberry Street, a feature film
written and directed by acclaimed director and producer Judy Naidoo, and set in
the fictional town of Sugarhill District, populated mainly by people of Indian
descent. The film is being shot in Verulam and Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal.
Determined to discover new young talent in
South Africa, Naidoo searched for two young Indian boys to play the lead roles
in her new feature film, which has been dubbed “a little film with a big
heart”.
Set in the early 80’s, the film tells the
story of two young Indian boys who have to find a way to overcome their
differences and unite to defeat the bullying local crime lord who’s threatening
their families.
A charming and hilarious adventure, with
universal themes that will appeal to the whole family, the film also pays
tribute to classic 80’s Bollywood movies and their heroes.
In the lead roles are newcomers Aaqil Hoosen
(11) as Ticky Chetty, and Shaan Nathoo (8) as Baboo Harold Singh. They were
discovered by Durban-based casting director Kajal Bagwandeen of Imagine Worx.
“We put out a call for two enthusiastic
boys between the ages of 9 and 11, and of Indian descent, who have a desire to
act, and some natural performing ability,” says Naidoo. “We are delighted to
have found two youngsters who are talented and keen. It’s a great privilege to
make this film and most especially to be able to go back to Verulam, my hometown,
and pay homage to my childhood. It’s an exciting project, and I’m looking
forward to working with Durban’s finest talent.”
Aaqil’s character Ticky Chetty is a skinny
kid who enjoys the outdoors, is creative and energetic, and has tons of street
smarts. He is looking for a partner in crime and sees a trainee in Baboo,
played by Shaan. The chubbier Baboo, though more bookish that Ticky, is equally
imaginative and spirited. The two have lots to learn from each other.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for these talented young boys,” says Naidoo.
Aaqil loves watching his favourite series Naruto, playing fetch with his dog
Ticky, and playing chess with his little sister Naajiya. He has an admiration
for the ocean and is fascinated by sea creatures. He also has a love for
archaeology and likes to study things from the past.
Shaan loves drawing, comics, animals,
playing with Lego, cycling and having imaginary nerf gun wars with his friends.
At school, he enjoys playing cricket and loves reading. He is a confident young
person who has recently started dance classes and performed on stage with his
dance school.
Naidoo is a multi-award-winning filmmaker
who had great success on the local and international film festival circuit when
her debut feature Hatchet Hour (2016)
scooped several prestigious awards, including Best Director and Best Picture at
the New Hope Film Festival in Pennsylvania, as well as the Best Foreign Film
Award at the LA Femme International Film Festival. The film was also nominated
for a Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in Cinematography.
Kings
of Mulberry Street will be distributed in South
Africa by Indigenous film Distribution.
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