Abel Mutua's reign, 5 blockbuster films asserting his cinematic royalty in Kenya

Mutua has seamlessly woven his talent through storytelling, scriptwriting, and film direction, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of viewers.

His journey from the role of Freddie in 'Tahidi High' to the co-founder of Phil-It Productions and the creative mind behind hits like 'Click Click Bang' reflects the evolution of a true maestro.

Abel Mutua Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Mkurugenzi blasts media outlet over 'Click Click Bang' revenue after Netflix deal

Mutua's journey into the world of entertainment began at a young age. Participation in school skits during primary and secondary school laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for entertaining people.

Although his initial dream was to become a news anchor, a twist of fate redirected him to the captivating world of camera work and videography. Enrolling late for a journalism class led him to discover his love for film, and he embraced it wholeheartedly.

Phil-It Productions

In 2012, Abel Mutua, in collaboration with his colleague Philip Karanja, founded Phil-It Productions.

Abel Mutua and Phil Director Abel Mutua and Phil Director Pulse Live Kenya

This dynamic duo went on to create a plethora of successful works, including 'A Grand Little Lie,' 'Headline Hitters,' Real Househelps of Kawangware', and the acclaimed 'Click Click Bang.' Their creative synergy birthed engaging content that resonated with diverse audiences.

Sue Na Johnnie

In 2016, Phil-It Productions ventured into independent filmmaking with the 'Sue Na Johnnie' series, a comedy featuring Catherine Kamau and Martin Githinji.

The series, picked up by Showmax in 2017, enjoyed three years of consecutive success, showcasing the prowess of Abel Mutua and Phil Karanja in crafting compelling narratives.

show ‘Sue na Jonnie’ ‘Sue na Jonnie’ Pulse Live Kenya

A Grand Little Lie

In 2021, Abel Mutua's film 'A Grand Little Lie' achieved considerable success by adopting an innovative distribution approach, grossing over Sh4 million within the first four days.

Directed by Phil Karanja, ‘A Grand Little Lie‘ tells the story of Joe, a people-pleaser who lies to his boss to please his girlfriend only for the lie to blow up in his face.

The film's direct-to-consumer model, with viewers paying a one-time fee of Sh200, marked a breakthrough in reaching audiences directly. The film is currently showing on Netflix.

'Grand Little Lie' series cast Pulse Live Kenya

READ: How to hack it in the filmmaking industry: Lessons from Phil Director & Abel Mutua

Click Click Bang

The 2022 crime and drama movie 'Click Click Bang,' which premiered on Netflix in October 2023, added to Abel's list of achievements.

The film tells the compelling story of Kev, a talented footballer forced into the crime world after his dreams are shattered.

Abel disclosed in a previous interview that 'Click Click Bang' generated over Sh9 million in revenue.

Click Click Bang Click Click Bang Pulse Live Kenya

Real Househelps of Kawangware

Created by Abel Mutua and Philip Karanja, 'Real Househelps of Kawangware' which premiered in 2014, has been broadcast on various local stations such as KTN, NTV, and Maisha Magic East.

The narrative revolves around the daily lives of four house-helps - Awiti, Kelekye, Njamby, and Trufena - as they navigate their routines in Kawangware.

Notably, the show has catapulted several cast members, including Njugush, DJ Shiti, and Njambi, into the limelight.

Real Househelps of Kawangware ece-auto-gen

The Jyuuce Party: An unforgettable extravaganza

Abel Mutua's foray into live events with 'The Jyuuce Party' proved immensely successful. The completely sold-out performance on September 30, 2023, left fans awestruck, emphasising Mutua's ability to connect with his audience.

The event, brought back due to popular demand, showcased his versatility beyond the screen.