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Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Arts Reporter
Film buffs who enjoy a good love story should not miss a film titled “Happiness is a Four-Letter Word” starring the Hollywood heartthrob Zimbabwean born Tongayi Arnold Chirisa. The film, released in February this year, stars the actor Chirisa whose chemistry with South African slender star Mmabatho Montsho is nothing short of electric.According to the synopsis, the film “offers a glimpse behind Jo’burg surbabia’s white picket fences told through the story of three career-oriented and strong-willed women in search of true love — cliché as it may sound.”
The film is made for those who still believe in love and those who are out to get real love.
A browse on the trailer shows a well-knitted story of lovers who take time to understand their partners and do things that lovers are expected to.
It appears there are no dull moments as each couple lives as if there is no tomorrow.
According to the Sowetan, Mmabatho is the most compelling character arc of all three ladies as she plays Nandi, a lawyer and compulsive perfectionist.
From the outside Nandi has the perfect life, a doting fiancé (Tongayi Chirisa), great career and forthcoming nuptials.
“But in reality she is suffocating, because all she ever does is give, while everyone around her takes.
Her fiancé comes with baby mama drama, while her overbearing father refuses to see that his little girl is no longer little.
“Nandi is so concerned with keeping others happy that she can’t even answer a simple question as ‘What do you want?’ If she didn’t have enough on her plate, a blast from the past (Chris Attoh) re-enters her life, tempting her to come dance with the devil,” the paper said.
“Montsho is devastating in the role, approaching it with such eloquent subtlety and compassion.”
It’s pleasant to see her back in front of the camera, because she was sorely missed.
“The chemistry between Montsho and Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa is electric, with the marvellous Chirisa as Montsho’s on-screen fiancé threatening to steal a few scenes from her, especially in one pivotal fight scene.”
Other cast members include Khanyi Mbau who plays Zaza, a role described as “a very Khanyi Mbau archetype.”
There is Renate Stuurman who falls head-over-heels in love with smooth-talking afro-centric artiste Richard Lukunku.
Also on the cast are prolific names including Pabi Moloi, Hlomla Dandala, Fulu Mugovhani and Thuli Thabethe have small parts in the film.
Chirisa was born in Harare, where his acting career began in 2002 with a role in the country’s first soap opera, Studio 263.
Two years later he starred in the local feature film, “Tanyaradzwa”, which solidified his desire to study acting.
In 2006 he relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he enrolled at The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA).
In 2008 Chirisa featured in several South African commercials; a feature film about his homeland titled “Zimbabwe”, “Skin” directed by Anthony Fabian and Leon Schuster’s “Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past.”
That same year he was cast in the role of Friday in NBC’s action drama series “Crusoe”, which launched his career in America and encouraged him to move to Hollywood.
To date Chirisa has featured in various films and television series such as “Crusoe”, “Sleepy Hollow”, “American Horror Story” and “NCIS: LA” to name a few.
He most recently played the role of Gary Houston in Whitney, a biographical film for TV which is based on the late Whitney Houston’s life.
The film was directed by Angela Bassett and released in the US on January 17, 2015.
Online Reporter