From frenemies to family feuds

When old rivalries resurface, a new generation challenges the past in this story

- Rolland Simpi Motaung

Best known for her directorial debut Keeping Up with the Kandasamys, which was the highest grossing South African film in 2017, Jayan Moodley has added another hilarious family comedy to her slate.

A week after its 11 April release, Meet the Khumalos reached the number four spot on Netflix's list of global top movies and was among the 10 most-watched films in 35 countries.

The decision to pursue filmmaking after completing her BSc degree has definitely paid off for this award-winning Durban-based writer, producer and director.

"I've always been passionate about telling stories that celebrate South Africa's cultural diversity and identity," Moodley tells me. "This film was a dream come true for me and the production will be one of my life's highlights."

Meet The Khumalos centres around a feud between Instagram-lifestyle-obsessed Grace Khumalo (Khanyi Mbau) and a feisty, no-nonsense businesswoman Bongi (Ayanda Borotho). An old feud between frenemies is reignited when Bongi and her family, the Sitholes, move into a lavish lifestyle estate where the Khumalos are their neighbours.

Grace and Bongi's rivalry, however, takes an unexpected turn. The two women form an unlikely alliance after discovering their children — Sizwe Khumalo (Jesse Suntele) and Sphe Sithole (Khosi Ngema) — are secretly dating. United by a shared mission, they set aside their differences and join forces, determined to do whatever it takes to break up the young lovers.

The star-studded cast also includes Bonga Dlamini and Siyabonga Shibe, who play the husbands, as well as the late Connie Chiume, who takes the role of Mavis, Grace's well-meaning but meddling mother-in-law.

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