Encomium
Regina Chukwu is a popular Nollywood producer cum actress. She is currently in the news for shooting 2 multi-million movies simultaneously. In an exclusive chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, she opened up on the movie and all the controversies trailing them…
Interestingly, you are working on two projects at the same time. Can you tell us about the two films?
Ewatomi tells the story of a rich man who happens to have no immediate family but his workers. And to him they are his family. Everything was going on fine until he employed Ewatomi, fell in love and married her and that was the beginning of the end for him.
SSS, on its part, is about three good friends who love doing things together. They looked as responsible big girls but in truth they are high class prostitutes. Trouble began when they killed one of their clients and took his diamond. The three friends died mysteriously.
It’s rare and capital intensive to shoot two movies simultaneously, why?
That’s true but where there is a will there is always a way. The money was there and my cast was ready.
Who are the leading cast?
For Ewatom, Antar Laniyan, Muyiwa Ademola, Regina Chukwu, Kunle Afod, Joke Muyiwa, Yemi Terry, Allwell Adedamola, among others.
For SSS, Toyin Aimaku, Niyi Johnson, Liz Anjorin, Regina Chukwu, Sola Olaibi and others.
What’s the secret of your success?
It’s God almighty and my mom, hard work, dedication, the love for what I do, and prayer.
What are the limitations of these projects?
The challenge is the location. I couldn’t get the kind of house I wanted. Apart from that, everything was fine for Ewatomi but for SSS, one of the cast gave me a tough time. Even now we still have some scenes pending.
Arguably your story lines have been highly commended, what’s the difference?
I think it’s my kind of storyline. I like deep stories that teach morals and I don’t compromise when it comes to casting.
How much do they gulp?
Ewatomi cost N2 million, while SSS was N1.5 million.
Where do you get your inspirations from?
From reading, sermons in my church, testimonies, and from watching movies too.
It was speculated that the hotelier whose hotel you used for location was your lover and financier?
I am hearing this for the first time o, but seriously it’s not true. If it’s true, I will tell you to put it off record. But that’s not true. My marketer, Okiki Film is the only support I had on this project and I’m most grateful for his support. Any other gist apart from that is a big lie!
They claimed he even financed your recent trip to Dubai?
Seriously, I don’t know where people get all this crap. But to be sincere, it’s all bullsh..t. Nothing of such happened. People are just guessing as they don’t believe a lady can do some great things without being backed by a man. They still see Regina as that same widow with two children and wonder how she’s pulling it all off without some man. It’s been God and my mom. I don’t know where they got this hotelier ghost.
You are beautiful, talented and popular, how do you cope with male admirers?
I consider them as fans and tell them off in such a manner that we later become friends.
Will you still give marriage a shot?
Marriage! Why not, when I meet that man.
What are the qualities you look out for in your ideal man?
God fearing, must be ready to take my children as his (very accommodating), jovial and of course rich.
-FEMI OYEWALE
