Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

{{Short description|2020 Nigerian film directed by Ramsey Nouah}}

{{Use Nigerian English|date = December 2020}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

| image = Rattlesnake,_The_Ahanna_Story.jpeg

| caption =

| director = Ramsey Nouah

| producer = Chris Odeh
Charles Okpaleke

| screenplay = Nicole Asinugo

| story = Nicole Asinugo

| based_on =

| starring = Stan Nze
Chiwetalu Agu
Osas Ighodaro
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Ayo Makun

| music = Larry Gaaga

| cinematography =

| editing =

| studio = Play Network Studios
Ramsey Films

| distributor = Filmone Distributions

| released = {{Film date|2020|11|13|df=y}}

| runtime = 145 minutes

| country = Nigeria

| language = English

| budget =

| gross = ₦70 million {{Cite web |url=https://www.ceanigeria.com/box-office/179-top-20-films-report-1st-3rd-january-2021|title=Top 20 Films Report 1st 3rd January 2020}}

}}

Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story also known as The Armadas is a 2020 Nigerian thriller action film executive produced by Charles Okpaleke and directed by Ramsey Nouah.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-03|title='Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' trailer is finally here!|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/watch-the-official-trailer-for-rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story/ckv4900|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It is the official remake of the 1995 Nigerian classic action thriller film Rattlesnake which was directed by Amaka Igwe.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-16|title=Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde to star in upcoming 'Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story'|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/omotola-jalade-ekeinde-to-star-in-upcoming-rattle-snake-the-ahanna-story/y2gn9ph|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} The film stars Stan Nze, Chiwetalu Agu, Osas Ighodaro, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and Ayo Makun in the lead roles.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-02|title=Osas Ighodaro, Efa Iwara, Stan Nze to star in 'Rattle Snake' remake directed by Ramsey Nouah|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/osas-ighodaro-efa-iwara-stan-nze-to-star-in-rattle-snake-directed-by-ramsey-nouah/qmlkcrm|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It had its theatrical release on 13 November 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-25|title='Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' to premiere in cinemas November 13|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-to-premiere-in-cinemas-november-13/g0e9x8w|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It received mixed reviews from critics and ranked 24th overall on the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time at the end of its theatrical run.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-16|title='Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' does everything but rattle [Pulse movie review]|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-does-everything-but-rattle-pulse-movie-review/why9z87|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It is regarded as one of the best Nigerian films of 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-18|title=These Are The Best Nigerian Films of 2020|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/best-nigerian-movies-2020/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=OkayAfrica|language=en}}

Synopsis

Ahanna, an unemployed graduate, is frustrated with his current situation, and travels to Lagos in search of his mother Nancy who left their village with his siblings and his uncle Odinaka after his father Louis's funeral. Upon arriving in Lagos Ahanna is robbed, but after collaborating with a book trader for some cash he locates his mother's Lekki residence. Ahanna is disgusted to discover that Nancy, now living in luxury, is now married to his uncle, and his siblings currently reside with a relative in America. He storms out of the house and pays a visit to his old friends, Nze and his sister Amara. Nze confides in Ahanna about his colossal debt to drug kingpin Ali Mahmood who has threatened to kill him in two days unless the money is repaid. Ahanna suggests they rob Odinaka, and he and Nze both break into the property at night. Ahanna's mother recognises her masked son when an envelope bearing his name drops to the floor, and he demands to know how Odinaka had killed Louis whose death he had always considered suspicious. Odinaka then drops a bombshell - not only were he and Nancy having a secret affair when Ahanna's father was still alive, but he was the biological father of Ahanna's brother Naza.

Ahanna and Nze assemble a group of men called "The Armadas" with several different skills, carrying out a series of spectacular heists. But things take a swift u-turn and the gang suddenly find themselves with better enemies on both sides.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-13|title='A Remake for a New Generation': Rattlesnake, The Ahanna Story Premieres in Cinemas|url=https://www.arise.tv/a-remake-for-a-new-generation-rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-premieres-in-cinemas/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Arise News|language=en-US}}

Cast

{{Cast listing|

}}

Production

The film project was the second directorial venture for director Ramsey Nouah after Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019).{{Cite web|last=nollywoodreinvented|date=2020-09-16|title=COMING SOON: RattleSnake - The Ahanna Story|url=https://www.nollywoodreinvented.com/2020/09/coming-soon-rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story.html|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Nollywood Reinvented|language=en-US}} This also marked the second collaboration between director Ramsey Nouah and producer Charles Okpaleke after 2019 Nigerian drama film Living in Bondage: Breaking Free. The film was made following the box office success of Living in Bondage: Breaking Free and the film was announced as modern day remake of 1995 classic film Rattlesnake.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-07|title=Play Network, Ramsey Nouah remake Nollywood classic Rattlesnake: The Ahanna story|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/play-network-ramsey-nouah-remake-nollywood-classic-rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} The announcement regarding the film remake was revealed by the producer in March 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=Charles Okpaleke & Filmone sign production & distribution deal for 'Rattle Snake' remake|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/charles-okpaleke-and-filmone-sign-production-and-distribution-deal-for-rattle-snake/6gx4mm2|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It was initially speculated to be the sequel of Rattlesnake but the film producer refused the speculations stating that it is the remake of the yesteryear film in modern day.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-26|title=How Charles Okpaleke picks classic Nollywood films to remake|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/how-charles-okpaleke-picks-classic-nollywood-films-to-remake/rhjs9k3|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}

Sonny McDon was the only cast member of the 1995 film who was retained to play the supporting role in the remake.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-26|title=Veteran actor, Sonny McDon, buzzed to reprise role in Rattlesnake remake|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-sonny-mcdon-buzzed-for-return/3mps0e0|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} Stan Nze was played the titular role as Ahanna, the lead character which was initially played by Francis Duru in Rattlesnake.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-26|title=Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story star, Stan Eze, says remake 'way bigger' than original|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-stan-eze-osas-ighodaro-praise-remake/gtme749|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=BellaNaija.com|date=2020-09-21|title=Stan Nze is the Star of "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story," Find Out All There Is to Know About Him in this Exclusive Interview|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2020/09/stan-nze-break-out-star/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=BellaNaija|language=en-US}} Second runner-up of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown Nengi Rebecca Hampson also played a supporting role in the film and was her film acting debut.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-10|title=BBNaija Nengi joins 'Rattlesnake' cast & crew in SA|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/bbnaija-nengi-joins-rattlesnake-cast-and-crew-in-sa/b9j0g24|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}

The first look poster of the film was unveiled by the Play Network Studios on 1 September 2020 via Instagram.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-01|title=Here's a first look at 'Rattle Snake The Ahanna Story'|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/heres-a-first-look-at-rattle-snake-the-ahanna-story/w3cbx6x|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} Most of the portions of the film were predominantly shot in Lagos, Abuja and Cape Town, South Africa. The film was shot within a duration of just four weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Soundtrack

The music for the film is scored by Larry Gaaga.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-08|title=Larry Gaaga begins production of 'RattleSnake' soundtrack|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/386667-larry-gaaga-begins-production-of-rattlesnake-soundtrack.html|access-date=2020-12-22|language=en-GB}} A total of eight tracks were composed for the album featuring A-list Afrobeats artistes. The soundtrack album opened to extremely positive reception.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-04|title=With his 'Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story' soundtrack album, Larry Gaaga hits the bulls eye yet again [Pulse Album Review]|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/album-review-larry-gaaga-rattle-snake-the-ahanna-story-soundtrack/zs9ctkr|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}

{{Main|Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (soundtrack)}}

Release and box office

The film was premiered at the FilmHouse Cinemas in Lagos on 11 November 2020 prior to the theatrical release.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-19|title=The Rattlesnake movie premiere draws out the fiercest of us all|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/the-rattlesnake-movie-premiere-draws-out-the-fiercest-of-us-all/2kj7fw2|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} It was theatrically released on 13 November 2020 coinciding with the nationwide End SARS protests in Nigeria against the SARS police band. The film made over ₦13 million (₦13,567,700) in the opening week since its theatrical release.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-18|title='Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story' earns over N13 million in opening week|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rattlesnake-the-ahanna-story-earns-over-n13-million-in-opening-week/6g8eerw|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}} The final cumulative stood at ₦70,381,550 at the box office.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ceanigeria.com/box-office/179-top-20-films-report-1st-3rd-january-2021|title=Top 20 Films Report 1st 3rd January 2020}}

In a review by Culture Custodian, Franklin Ugobude said "The curse of every remake is the inevitable comparison to the original and whether it stacks up to it or not, and The Ahanna Story simply cannot lace the boots of Amaka Igwe's Rattlesnake."{{Cite web|last=Ugobude|first=Franklin|date=2020-11-30|title=Review: Rattlesnake Shines, But Not Bright Enough|url=https://culturecustodian.com/rattlesnake-shines-but-not-bright-enough/|access-date=2021-05-24|website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014)|language=en-US}} Another reviewer rated the movie 6.2/10 saying "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story is entertaining and exhausting all at once... but at the same time, it leaves you tingling with pride at the fact that filmmaking in Nollywood has grown in leaps."{{Cite web|last=Nwajiaku|first=Vivian Nneka|title=Movie Review: Rattlesnake - The Ahanna Story|url=https://www.afrocritik.com/reviews/movie-review/movie-review-rattlesnake-ahanna/|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Afrokritik|language=en-US}}

Awards and nominations

class="wikitable"

!Year

!Award

!Category

!Recipient

!Result

!Ref

rowspan="16" |2021

| rowspan="2" |Africa Movie Academy Awards

|Best Actress in a Supporting Role

|Gloria Anozie-Young

|{{nom}}

| rowspan="2" |{{Cite web|last=Banjo|first=Noah|date=2021-10-29|title=FULL LIST: Ayinla, Omo Ghetto: The Saga bag multiple nominations at AMAA 2021|url=https://punchng.com/full-list-ayinla-omo-ghetto-the-saga-bag-multiple-nominations-at-amaa-2021/|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}

Best Nigerian Film

|Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

|{{nom}}

rowspan="14" |Best of Nollywood Awards

|Best Actor in a Leading role

|Stan Nze

|{{won}}

| rowspan="14" |{{Cite web |last=Ojo |first=James |date=2021-09-12 |title=FULL LIST: 'The Milkmaid', 'Rattle Snake' remake lead nominations for 2021 BON awards |url=http://lifestyle.thecable.ng/full-list-the-milkmaid-rattle-snake-remake-lead-nominations-for-2021-bon-awards/ |access-date=2021-10-11 |website=TheCable Lifestyle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-12-14 |title=BON Awards 2021: 'Rattlesnake', 'The Milkmaid' win big |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/500777-bon-awards-2021-rattlesnake-the-milkmaid-win-big.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |language=en-GB}}

Best Actress in a Lead role

|Osas Ighodaro

|{{nom}}

Best Actor in a Supporting role

|Buchi Franklin

|{{won}}

Best Editing

| rowspan="8" |Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

|{{won}}

Best Cinematography

|{{won}}

Movie with the Best Sound

|{{nom}}

Movie with the Best Screenplay

|{{nom}}

Movie with the Best Editing

|{{nom}}

Movie with the Best Cinematography

|{{nom}}

Best Use of Costume in a Movie

|{{nom}}

Movie of the Year

|{{nom}}

Director of the Year

|Ramsey Nouah

|{{nom}}

Best Kiss in a Movie

|Stan Nze/Osas Ighodaro

|{{nom}}

Movie with the Best Soundtrack

|Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story

|{{nom}}

rowspan="11" |2022

| rowspan="11" |Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards

|Best Supporting Actor

|Bucci Franklin

|{{nom}}

| rowspan="11" |{{Cite news |title=2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list |work=BBC News Pidgin |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-60818021 |access-date=2022-03-26}}{{Cite news |title=Stan Nze, Osas Ighodaro win big - Full list of all di winners from 2022 AMVCA |work=BBC News Pidgin |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-61452928 |access-date=2022-05-15}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-15 |title=Ramsey Noah wins Best director award at 8th edition of AMVCA |url=https://thenet.ng/ramsey-noah-wins-best-director-award-at-8th-edition-of-amvca/ |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=Nigerian Entertainment Today |language=en-US}}

Best Actress in A Drama

|Osas Ighodaro

|{{won}}

Best Actor in A Drama

|Stan Nze

|{{won}}

Best Art Director

|Pat Nebo

|{{nom}}

Best Lighting Designer

|Mathew Yusuf

|{{won}}

Best Sound Track

|Larry Gaagaa

|{{nom}}

Best Make Up

|Carina Ojoko

|{{nom}}

Best Cinematographer

|Muhammed Atta Ahmed

|{{won}}

Best Movie West Africa

|Chris Odeh

|{{nom}}

Best Overall Movie

|Ramsey Nouah and Chris Odeh

|{{nom}}

Best Director

|Ramsey Nouah

|{{won}}

References

{{Reflist}}