Katangari Goes To Town Movie Review: A Sleuth, Secrets, And A Killer’s Game

Starting off 2025 with an intriguing entry, Katangari Goes to Town, directed by Reuben Reng, brings a mix of mystery and humour to the big screen. The legendary Katangari, a retired police inspector turned sleuth, is lured out of retirement for a high-stakes investigation in Abuja.

The plot thickens when Katangari’s cousin, Chief Bello Gyang—a prominent international businessman—is found murdered. The family estate becomes the ultimate pressure cooker as Bello’s relatives, friends, and associates are confined within the mansion, each carrying secrets and motives as dark as the night of the crime.

Plot

Katangari, a retired detective living a quiet life in Ta-Hoss, is pulled back into action under unusual circumstances. A call from his late cousin’s personal assistant informs him of a will reading he must attend in Abuja—one with a dire warning: missing it could cost him his home.

Chief Bello, Katangari’s wealthy cousin, had been surrounded by enemies and suspicion even before his untimely death. Upon arriving at Bello’s mansion, Katangari finds a tense gathering that includes Bello’s ex-wife Ulan, current wife Sophia, children Chatong and Wash, business partner Audu, and Pastor Dominion. What was supposed to be a straightforward will reading quickly takes a dark turn.

Instead of legal proceedings, a recorded video from Chief Bello reveals shocking truths. He claims he was murdered, warns Katangari not to trust anyone present, and grants him full authority over the mansion. His final instruction? No one leaves until the killer is uncovered.

The tangled web of relationships soon unravels. Ulan and Sophia clash openly, with Ulan harbouring resentment and Sophia rumoured to have been involved with the butler. Bello’s children, Chatong and Wash, are accused of caring more about his fortune than his well-being, while business partner Audu’s loyalty is called into question. Even Pastor Dominion, more enamoured with money than saving souls, isn’t spared suspicion.

As Katangari dives into detective mode, startling revelations emerge, and tensions escalate. Just as the retired sleuth starts closing in on the truth, another murder shakes the household. In the end, the killer is exposed in a dramatic climax that ties together the threads of the movie.

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Cast

Segun Arinze takes centre stage as the titular Katangari, delivering a performance that feels both familiar and ambitious. While his portrayal of the retired detective was intense and commanding, it occasionally strayed into overacting, with a noticeable effort to emulate the archetype of a Hollywood-style grizzled veteran. That said, his energy brought balance and depth to the ensemble cast.

Patience Ujah steps in as Mima, Chief Bello’s personal assistant, but her performance leaves much to be desired. Struggling initially with character consistency, her portrayal only made sense after the killer’s reveal, where her attempts at disguise were explained. Unfortunately, even then, her execution fell short, diminishing the impact of her role.

Ireti Doyle shines as Ulan, bringing her trademark poise and mastery to the screen. Her effortless blend of Hausa and English added authenticity to the character, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned actor. In contrast, Muna’s portrayal of Sophia offered a more subdued performance, but her subtlety was a refreshing counterbalance in the chaos of the mansion’s drama.

Victor Panwal and Gbubemi Ejeyi as Wash and Chatong, Bello’s children, played their roles adequately, though neither stood out significantly. Bethel Njoku, better known for his comedic chops in Flatmates, injected much-needed humour into the role of Pastor Dominion, providing moments of levity amidst the tension.

Chief Bello himself, played by Edward Fom. While the cast had its highs and lows, Katangari Goes to Town leaned heavily on its star power and ensemble dynamics to push through its weaker moments.

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Language

The Katangari Goes To Town movie was performed in English and Hausa.

Summary

Katangari Goes to Town takes a swing at the murder mystery genre, delivering twists, tension, and a fair dose of drama. While it doesn’t hit all the marks, the film manages to stay entertaining—thanks in part to its stunning visuals and quirky characters.

One thing’s for sure: the cinematography deserves a shoutout. The film makes the most of its modest settings, serving up a visually appealing experience that feels both lavish and grounded. The moody lighting, clever camera and costume (especially Katangari) work do a lot of heavy lifting, giving the movie a classy touch.

The plot? Well, it’s decent but not mind-blowing. The killer’s reveal feels more like a quiet “oh” than a shocking “aha!”—mainly because the suspects are ruled out a little too quickly. By the time the credits roll, you’ve probably already guessed who did it. That said, the journey has its moments, even if the destination is a bit predictable.

There’s also a noticeable attempt to channel the vibe of a Hollywood-style thriller. It doesn’t quite stick the landing, but it doesn’t trip over itself either. Let’s call it a valiant effort that lands somewhere between “bold attempt” and “nice try.”

However, a few grey areas drag the story down. For instance, why was Chief Bello so convinced his life was in danger? What led him to hire a private investigator in the first place? The film never quite answers these questions, leaving a few loose ends dangling.