Gringo back on the big screen

Standard People
BY MICHAEL SHOKOPopular television series Gringo is set to hit the big screen with the release of a hilarious comedy feature, Gringo – Troublemaker.

The film, written by award-winning script writer Enock Chihombori, is poised to reignite memories of 1998 when Gringo first showed on local television.“Gringo (Lazarus Boora) has been itching for this comeback for some time now. He is ready to go,” said Chihombori.

Well-known among the country’s viewing audience for his humourous antics, Gringo is one of the most amusing and entertaining television characters of his generation.

The story line is about a young man who is out to impress his girlfriend and goes out to engage a traditional healer to help him get rich.

Things go wrong for him when he accidentally meets Gringo, who unfortunately tempers with the traditional healer’s herbs.

All hell breaks loose and the young man lives to rue the day he met Gringo.

The comedy, shot in Harare, has a cast laden with stars that bring a wealth of experience to the film.

Blessing Chimhowa, who plays Mbudziyadhura, returns with his usual laid back comical antics together with the vastly experienced William Matenga taking up his role as Gringo’s employer Gweshegweshe.

Former Studio 263 actor Tapiwa Mavindidze, popularly known as VJ, plays John, Gringo’s unfortunate victim.

Star actress Evangelista Mwatse who had roles in Small House Saga and City of Dreams features as John’s pompous girlfriend, Mary.

Chihombori who is now based in Botswana had disappeared from the film industry since he last wrote a short film for Oliver Mtukudzi titled Chipo Changu in 2003.

“I got discouraged by the income we getting as actors and had to concentrate on other things,” he said.

Tobby, as he is affectionately known in the Gringo series, said his long absence was a result of the relocation.

The cast is directed by Ben Mahaka while final touches on the film will be done by veteran film producer Lillian Chidavaenzi who has also worked on the production of Lobola and The Gentleman.

The comedy which premieres in March was described by Chihombori as “a rib-cracking script sure to leave film lovers in stitches.”