I'm Not Interested In Using Controversy To Sell Movies - Kobi Rana

FILMMAKER Kobi Rana has disclosed that he is not interested in using controversies to sell his movies.

In May last year, while he was about to shoot the movie 'Freedom and Justice', Kobi Rana received a death prophecy from the Founder and Leader of the Power Embassy International Church, Prophet Prince Elisha Osei.

According to the prophet, the movie would ruffle the feathers of politicians who would kill Kobi Rana. And while it may have seemed like a publicity stunt for the movie, Kobi Rana said that’s not how he operated.

“I've not spoken about it because I didn’t want to give attention or publicity to any man of God. I believe in God and that’s what matters. I don’t give attention to real or false prophecies.

“I’ve been riding on pure talent and hard work for about a decade now so I don’t want it to look like I’m selling my productions through controversies,” he told Graphic Showbiz recently.

'Freedom And Justice', which Kobi Rana said was ready for release, is a collaboration with actress Kafui Danku and tackles issues in the country, including the economy, leadership, utilities, transportation and education.

“It’s the biggest film I’ve ever shot and features all the celebrated stars. The movie is based on the daily realities we face. We intend premiering it on one of the national holidays so everyone should anticipate it,” Kobi Rana said.

Kobi Rana also revealed that COVID-19 had had a big impact on his productions, especially because of the ban on public gatherings as he was unable to shoot.

“We weren’t done shooting the Red Carpet movie so we couldn’t premiere it. We were planning on showing My Name Is Ramadan 3 during the Eid festivities but looking at how things are, we won’t be able to do it.

“Baby Is Coming, the movie that was telecast on TV this Easter, was last year’s project. We decided to give back to our fans and keep them entertained as our contribution to the lockdown situation.

“It’s only Freedom And Justice, which is meant for the second half of the year, that’s ready, but we haven’t settled on the date yet because of our current situation,” he stated.

Kobi Rana, whose real name is Cornelius Phanthomas, was a member of music group Rana before he branched into movies. He released his first production Kiss Me If You Can in 2010 followed by Hotel St James and Fire for Fire.

Since then, he has been releasing movies every year and some of them are 1 Hour To The Wedding, My Name is Ramadan, Kudi - My Name Is Ramadan 2, Akwaaba, 3 Idiots And A Wise Man, The Sextape, Apples and Bananas, Chaskele and Players Vs Slayers.

After completing St Augustine’s College in Cape Coast, Kobi Rana obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, Legon.