Kunle Remi has little to prove about his excellent endowments. As an award-winning actor, reality television show winner, television show host as well as judge, the ‘A Naija Christmas’ star delivered another stellar performance in ‘Anikulapo’. He shares what ‘Anikulapo’ took while on Twitter hangout with Daily Trust.
Take us through the process of the movie, how was it for you, being the lead actor?
The process was nothing like I’ve seen or experienced before as a Nollywood actor.
Being part of such project has always been a dream. It was a kind of project that whatever I’m going to do, you’ll never forget Saro. We shot in a very conducive environment.
How was it being on the set of ‘Anikulapo?’
I would say it’s the dream of an actor to be part of something new. ‘Anikulapo’ is a folktale, it’s a creation and it was a delight being on the set that was created for that. The character is the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had so far. The set, costume, location, food, props, works with the character, was a beautiful thing. The director is sharing ideas. Oyo Empire is surrounded by mountains; Ojumo town is literally on top of mountains. It was just a beautiful experience. It was shot in harmattan which also helped us because it was really cold. Everything literally worked together, the dryness of the season, location everything worked together for good.
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How did you go about becoming Saro, the auditioning, how did you become that character?
I think my audition with the director was ‘A Naija Christmas,’ that was the first time we worked together. And I think he just saw I was an option for Saro. There were quite a number of legendary people on the cast; the decision why he settled with me, I don’t know, even with the fact that every person on the list could speak Yoruba fluently. Maybe there were other reasons, but I wasn’t going to disappoint him and make him regret taking that risk so I put in the effort. I totally immersed myself in the character. There is a Saro in every man. The only thing that keeps us sane from him is maturity, mentorship, discipline, experience, you know that’s the only thing that keeps us human and of course the God factor. Above that, we are just normal human beings that would always mess up. So, channeling the Saro wasn’t easy but also letting sure I deliver and enjoy being there. Like I said, Kunle Remi judged Saro a lot, reading the script. I didn’t understand the decision that was not my place to decide. The only way I could decide was to be him. So, I had to build my back story as a slave, so I wouldn’t judge him. I don’t know how that happened, I just know I was willing to become and take control of everything and I did so.
How was it like working with some of the greatest, legendary actors, really powerful persons you must have watched as a child?
I got the memo but I didn’t get the memo that I’ll play with all those veterans and giants in the industry. And it challenged me even more because I felt I was more like Daniel in the lion’s den. They were veterans I watched while growing up. I literarily know all of them and I felt very honoured to be there and also, they were very helpful.
Now, being veterans that I have watched so much and now I am playing with them, I have to make them proud. Aside from making them proud, I have to make myself proud.
By Ademola Olonilua and Nana Sule
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