The sequel to the critically-acclaimed “Losing Lerato” is set to take viewers on yet another emotional ride when it premières on Netflix on Friday, August 2.
“Losing Lerato 2” is being released five years after the award-winning local film first made its debut with its heart-warming story which centres on the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter.
It follows Thami, played by Kagiso Modupe, a down-and-out divorced man who is denied access to his daughter Lerato, played by his real-life child, Tshimillo Modupe.
In an act of desperation, he decides to take matters into his own hands and kidnaps her from school. Matters soon escalate, leading to a high-stakes hostage scenario.
Modupe, who has featured on various productions including “Gog’ Helen” and “Unpredictable Romance”, reprises his role in the new film.
He previously told IOL that 2019’s “Losing Lerato” was inspired by his own estranged relationship with his father.
Nefisa Mkhabela, who is renowned for her portrayal of Onalerona on eTV’s fashion telenovela “House of Zwide”, plays the older Lerato.
The rest of the cast includes “Gomora” star Zolisa Xaluva; Samela Tyelbooi, who featured on “Generations: The Legacy”; Nolwazi Shange from “The River”; and Thulani Mtsweni, who starred on “Isidingo: The Need”.
They will be joined by Lerato Marabe, Aubrey Poopedi and Mondli Makhoba.
“Losing Lerato 2” is reportedly set to continue with Thami’s release from prison on medical parole after being charged for kidnapping his daughter.
He now finds himself in need of a kidney transplant. But when Lerato’s pleas to her influential stepfather go unanswered, she takes drastic measures to save her father’s life.
Produced by Bakwena Productions and directed by Zolani Phakade, a two-time Safta winner, the sequel explores themes of sacrifice and the importance of family.
The blockbuster local film has been a riveting success since its release and has gone on to win several accolades.
These include the Best Actor Feature, Best Actress Feature, Best Child Performance, the Golden Era Humanitarian Narrative Award Best Original Score and Festival Favourite at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema in Idyllwild, California .
The blockbuster Mzansi film took home the Best Actor Feature, Best Actress Feature, Best Child Performance, the Golden Era Humanitarian Narrative Award, Best Original Score and Festival Favourite.
∎ “Losing Lerato 2” will drop on Netflix on Friday, August 2.