Rattlesnake is a 1995 Nigerian action film written and directed by Amaka Igwe and produced by Austin Awulonu. It was Igwe's first feature-length film and was released in three parts. The film stars Francis Duru, Okechukwu Igwe, Nkem Owoh, Anne Njemanze and Ernest Obi.
Contents
Synopsis
Rattlesnake tells the story of Ahanna Okolo who loses his father under suspicious circumstances as a child and ventures into a life of crime. Following the death of his father, Ahanna's uncle becomes his stepfather as he marries his mother. Ahanna's uncle sends Ahanna and his siblings to the village while he takes over Ahanna's father's property in Lagos. Ahanna ventures into crime and fends for his siblings with the proceeds of his criminal dealings. He goes on to lead a double life posing as a respectable businessman and also as an armed robber, secretly. He however turns a new leaf when his crimes are exposed.
Cast
Francis Duru as young Ahanna Okolo
Nkem Owoh as Odinaka, Ahanna's uncle
Sunny McDon as Ahanna's father
Ebele Uzochukwu as Ahanna's mother
Chebe Azih as Chukwuemeka, Ahanna's brother
Anne Njemanze as Amara (part 1 and 2)
Okechukwu Igwe as older Ahanna Okolo
Byron Ene as Egbe
Chris Iheuwa as Bala
Ernest Obi as Sango
Julius Agwu as young Peter
Ejike Methuselah as older Peter
Remy Ohajianya as Peter's father
Bob-Manuel Udokwu as Maduako Olisa Jnr
Uche Odoputa
Okey Okoronkwo
Tony One Week
Stella Damasus as Amara
Genevieve Nnaji
Chris Okotie
Production and release
Rattlesnake has been described as one of the earliest Nollywood action films. It was listed among the 100 greatest foreign-language films.
The Last Operation was released as a sequel to Rattlesnake.
Remake
Charles Okpaleke of Play Networks Africa obtained the rights to Rattlesnake and released Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story in November 2020. In a review by Precious Nwogu of Pulse Nigeria, the remake was said to "pale in comparison to the original in terms of the depth of the original's plot and themes". Stan Nze's performance in the lead role received critical acclaim.