Katch it With Khanyi host Khanyi Mbau stars in her first ever feature film, Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, set to hit theatres in February 2016.
Set in Johannesburg, the film is an adaptation of the Cynthia Nozizwe Jele novel, which follows the lives of three strong and determined friends, who learn that happiness doesn’t exactly come with a manual.
“The movie represents the many faces of the woman in South Africa. How they survive, their careers, personal issues, happiness and the challenges they face.”
The three leading roles are played by Khanyi, Mmabatho Montsho and Renate Stuurman. Khanyi plays the role of Zaza, a glamorous “trophy wife” who has everything she could ever wish for, except happiness.
“Zaza is very similar to the old me. She’s married to a wealthy man and she can have anything she wants. But money can’t buy happiness. We learn about the challenges in Zaza’s marriage and what really happens behind closed doors,” Khanyi explains.
When preparing for this role, Khanyi had to really reflect on her past and says she would often think to herself, “What would the old Khanyi do?” She says she really had to tap into the minds of the women of South Africa, how they converse and the challenges they face. “I would watch people and see how women would converse and interact with their children.”
She admits sharing the screen with Mmabatho and Renate was a little intimidating at first. “Starring in a feature film alongside Mmabatho and Renate was very daunting but it shows that I’ve really come a long way and that people are taking my craft seriously.”
Khanyi believes, “You are only as good as your last performance.” Ever humble she says that she knows she is not yet the best but she’s grateful for this opportunity. “I can say that I’ve lived and to me this is a great achievement.”
Happiness is a Four-Letter Word opens at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide on 19 February.