Kunle Afolayan Returns With New Movie, ‘Mokalik’ (Mechanic)

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Multiple award-winning cinematographer, Kunle Afolayan is set to return to the box office with a new hit flick, Mokalik (a Yoruba corrupt pronunciation of the word Mechanic).

P.M.EXPRESS learnt that the filmmaker, who once declared that he will be giving personal production a break because of the frustration of recouping investment in the motion picture business, has already concluded preparations to begin shooting on August 27.

The one-location shoot will tell the story of the protagonist, an 11-year-old boy who must make his choice in life, in a complex society and a future full of uncertainty. The story will be captured in a space of 12 hours with all the dramas in a typical mechanic garage.

Mokalik, it was gathered, was inspired by a scene Afolayan picked from one of his late father, Adeyemi ‘Ade Love’ Afolayan’s classic, Taxi Driver.

The idea was later developed by his long time partner and famous writer, Tunde Babalola.

Afolayan, in a chat with The Nation, one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, said Mokalik is not a huge budget movie but a film which targets film festivals and some international awards.

Known for his preference for casting for his films, Afolayan will be featuring some of Nigeria’s old talents who are almost being forgotten.

The new film will be featuring some Yoruba comic actors like Ayo Ogunshina (Papa Lolo) and Dayo Akinpelu, (Alabi Yellow) alongside a few other regular actors.

Mokalik may also see the acting debut for sonorous singer Simi.

Recently, Afolayan took to his social media platform to lend his voice to the need for kids to acquire other skills during their summer holiday.

He posted the picture of his eight-year old son, Darimisire, undergoing such vocational training at a mechanic workshop in Lagos.

However, pundits have suggested that the idea of Mokalik may have been developed during Darimisire’s training.

The little boy has also featured in one of his father’s latest production, Roti.