Emotional rollercoaster: Viewers react to Lerato’s death in Losing Lerato..
South African cinema fans can rejoice, as Losing Lerato 2 premiered on Netflix on August 2nd. This eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning Losing Lerato takes viewers on another emotional journey, further exploring the touching themes of family and love that resonated with audiences five years ago.
The original film introduced us to Thami, portrayed by Kagiso Modupe, a divorced father who finds himself in a desperate situation after being denied access to his daughter, Lerato. The gripping narrative unfolds as Thami kidnaps Lerato, played by his real-life daughter, Tshimillo Modupe, in a bid to reclaim his role in her life. This complex father-daughter relationship set the stage for a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.
In Losing Lerato 2, viewers are treated to a fresh perspective as the narrative shifts to focus on the love between Lerato and her father. Kagiso Modupe, who not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer, explained in an interview with Daily Sun, “We can expect to see a reverse of having to see the love of a daughter to her father. With the first one, we saw the love of a father towards his daughter. This is a love affair between a father and daughter.” This new angle promises to deepen the emotional resonance of the story, allowing audiences to witness the evolution of their relationship in a poignant and thought-provoking manner.
Losing Lerato 2 is Now playing on Netflix 🎬💃 pic.twitter.com/r4iQrZYGlT
— NetflixSA (@NetflixSA) August 2, 2024
The production faced its own set of challenges, particularly due to the tight shooting schedule during the festive season. Actress Samela Tyelbooi, who reprises her role, shared her excitement about returning to the project. “Shooting it was insane because we were shooting it at the end of the year, and it was just before Christmas. People wanted to go on holiday, and there was a short space of time, so the pressure was high not just to get it on time but to make sure that the quality of performances and technical stuff isn’t compromised,” she noted. Her dedication to delivering a compelling narrative reflects the entire cast and crew’s commitment to telling this story with the respect it deserves.
However, the film’s emotional weight does not come without its controversies. Many viewers have taken to social media to express their disappointment with the film’s somber ending, in which Lerato tragically dies. This unexpected twist has left audiences grappling with their feelings and questioning the direction of the narrative. The older Lerato is portrayed by Nefisa Mkhabela, known for her role as Onalerona in eTV’s House of Zwide, adding another layer of depth to the character’s journey.
Ooooh nooo, Lerato is dead! 😰😩😢😩😭 #LosingLerato2 pic.twitter.com/1DTVQNW4DV
— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) August 2, 2024
In addition to Kagiso Modupe and Nefisa Mkhabela, the film features a talented ensemble cast, including Zolisa Xaluva from Gomora, Samela Tyelbooi from Generations: The Legacy, Nolwazi Shange from The River, and Thulani Mtsweni from Isidingo: The Need. Together, they bring to life a narrative that is rich in emotion and complexity.
As Losing Lerato 2 continues to capture the attention of viewers on Netflix, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the intricacies of familial love and sacrifice. While the film may leave some viewers with a heavy heart, it undoubtedly contributes to the ongoing conversation about the bonds that connect us and the profound impact of our choices. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or new to the story, Losing Lerato 2 promises to be a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Losing Lerato 2 was supposed to have a disclaimer that read: Lungisani amaTissue 🥹 pic.twitter.com/EUAb3zQtGW
— NetflixSA (@NetflixSA) August 3, 2024
#losinglerato2
A Kagiso Modupe film
Directed by Zolani Phakade. What an experience. S/o to the cast, biggest thank you to @NetflixSA and @AAA_ent @LosingLerato Thank you. Thank you Thank you pic.twitter.com/nrXuWqSR6h— Zolani Phakade (@ZolaniPhakade) August 2, 2024