The much anticipated Welcome to Maula Prison premiered in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu over the weekend has left people with some questions.
Producers of the movie, 4Kaya Films, managed to record sold out screenings in Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Prior to the screening, there were suggestions that the recent arrest of one of the leading characters in the film, Phwedo, real name Tumpe Mtaya, was a stunt meant to promote the movie.
But during the three screenings, the producers did not in any way attempt to unpack the growing speculations. Even during backstage interviews with a number of online news cites, the actor dogged the question.
When asked by Ghetto Got Talent Online platform if his arrest was a stunt or not, Phwedo said: “We are still on the project; it would be difficult for me to respond to that. We are still working and I think it would be better to let this pass.”
But in an interview on Monday, 4Kaya Films spokesperson Desiree Namachotsa denied that the arrest was part of the film’s promotions tactics.
“This is about his personal life. While I am the spokesperson of the brand and the movie, this is something that only Phwedo can respond to. But as a brand we do not have any right to talk about the arrest. It had nothing to do with the movie,” she said.
Namachotsa said from the three screenings, they have acquired a better understanding of how much people love Malawian films such that next time, they will be better equipped to satisfy the demand.
“From here, we are looking for better ways of distribution so that we can raise funds for our next movie. We want to continue providing educative entertainment for Malawians, hence; exploring ways to raise adequate funds for our next project,” she said.
Namachotsa said they will soon communicate how people can access the movie on various platforms.
Phwedo was arrested on April 22 on allegations of having sex with a minor and abduction. He was granted bail by Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu bonded at K2 million.
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