Actor and film maker, Kunle Afolayan has dismissed public insinuations that he cast Temi in his latest movie Citation because of her father, Femi Otedola’s wealth and influence.
In a chat with Saturday PUNCH, the actor maintained that the only consideration that influenced the choice of cast for his movies was competence.
According to Afolayan, “From the beginning (of my career), I have always featured special appearances. As long as they are talented and doing well, the person doesn’t have to be an actor. Once I see that the person can pull off a certain character, I give it a go.”
Although, it is obvious that Kunle Afolayan, always strives to be different in his career. Over the years, the singer has featured some ‘non-actors’, such as Chidinma Ekile, Simi, and lately Temi. The new actress is one of the most hardworking, energetic and level-headed human beings I have ever met. She has been groomed for this for almost a year.” Afolayan said.
On what gave him the conviction that Temi would be able to pull off the role she’s to play in his forthcoming movie, Citation, Afolayan said, “When I had an encounter with her, the first draft of the script wasn’t even ready and I needed a character of her age.“
“So, I asked her to do some monologues, which she did. Then, I figured she had the potential to do it but there were other qualities I was looking for and she said she was ready to learn, especially in the area of language. The character speaks English, French, Yoruba and a bit of Portuguese. When people see the film, they would understand why she is the chosen one.”
Inspiration behind Citation
Speaking on what inspired the movie, Afolayan added, “Looking at what is going on in society (not just in Nigeria but the world at large), a lot of people believe that anything that has to do with sexual harassment or assault in universities are usually swept under the carpet.
). This movie is meant to address what can be done if anybody is in that kind of situation and I believe that the audio-visual medium is a good platform to do that.”
Meanwhile, he hinted the public to look forward to another big announcement (someone else that would be featured in this film) that will catch them by surprise.
