Kannywood’s new thriller, Akwati (The Box), places Abba Zaky at the center of a story that examines the pressures of investigative journalism and the endurance required to portray such a role.
In Akwati, Zaky plays Ahmed Balami, an investigative journalist uncovering the truth behind the country’s largest arms deal. The scandal is linked to soldiers’ deaths and broader national security issues. Much of the story takes place with Balami confined inside a wooden box. This required sustained focus and emotional depth. Director Prince Daniel Aboki guided the production with attention to narrative and performance.
Speaking exclusively to The Nollywood Reporter about the project, Zaky acknowledged the challenges it presented. “When we first embarked on the journey of Akwati, it felt like madness,” he said. “Honestly, it sounded crazy. One man trapped in a wooden box, carrying an entire film on his shoulders? Many thought we were out of our minds. Even I was afraid.”
He described the role as the most demanding of his career. The psychological intensity, emotional weight, and physical strain tested him throughout filming. “There were moments I doubted myself,” Zaky admitted. “Moments I wondered if I could truly hold it all together.”
Zaky credited Aboki’s support as key to navigating these challenges. “He believed in me at a time when I questioned myself. His confidence gave me strength. It pushed me to dig deeper, to bring the character fully to life.” Watching the rough cut, stripped of grading and sound, gave him perspective. “I was stunned,” he said. “I couldn’t believe my own eyes. What I saw was not just a film. It was the impossible. It was Hollywood in Kannywood.”
Beyond the technical and emotional demands, Zaky said the project changed his approach to acting. “Working on Akwati shifted my perspective as an actor. It made me realize my worth. It made me understand that I have carved a niche for myself; one I never even knew was there.”
The film reflects the evolution of Kannywood. Actors are increasingly asked to explore complex roles in focused, high-intensity productions. For Zaky, the role was both a professional test and a personal milestone. The experience emphasized the value of preparation, focus, and collaboration in achieving demanding performances.
“To have been trusted with this role, to have gone through fire and come out stronger- this is a blessing I do not take lightly,” he said. As Akwati moves toward wider screenings and festival submissions, the film demonstrates how Kannywood continues to expand its approach to narrative and character-driven storytelling.
Zaky’s performance illustrates the discipline and resilience required to meet the challenges of a high-intensity, single-lead production. The film is an example of focused storytelling where the lead actor carries much of the narrative and emotional weight. It highlights the evolving landscape of Kannywood and the ambition of its filmmakers.