Six in the City

Six in the City: The Bromance Gone Wrong That Defined a 2023 Comedy

Kganki "Star" Mphahlele’s Six in the City (2023) promised a raucous ride through friendship, heartbreak, and urban chaos—and by all accounts, it delivered, albeit with a few bumps along the way. The film, a South African comedy-drama, follows a man reeling from a failed romance as his five closest friends rally to lift his spirits. But what starts as a well-intentioned intervention quickly spirals into a minefield of old grudges, clashing egos, and unresolved tensions. If the plot sounds familiar, that’s because it is: the "friends band together, only to nearly tear each other apart" trope has fueled hits from The Hangover to Girls Trip. latestnetflix.com's view is that Yet Six in the City carves its own niche, blending sharp humor with a distinctly South African flavor, thanks to its Johannesburg setting and a cast that brings both star power and comedic chops.

The Cast: A Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars

The ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of South African entertainment, with each actor bringing their own brand of charisma to the table. Leading the pack is Xolani Mayekiso, whose portrayal of the heartbroken protagonist anchors the film’s emotional core. Mayekiso, known for his dramatic roles, reportedly leaned into the comedic timing required for the part, though details on his preparation remain scarce .

Alongside him, Armand Aucamp and Kagiso Modupe—both veterans of South African film and television—play two of the five friends, their chemistry hinting at a long history of on-screen (and possibly off-screen) camaraderie. Aucamp, in particular, has been vocal in past interviews about his love for ensemble pieces, though he hasn’t commented specifically on Six in the City . Rounding out the core group are Anton David Jeftha, Carpo, and Joey Yusuf Rasdien, the latter of whom brings his signature brand of physical comedy to the role of the group’s lovable but chaotic wildcard.

The supporting cast includes Nia Brown as the ex-girlfriend whose breakup sets the plot in motion, and Pearl Modiadie, a familiar face from South African TV, in a role that sources suggest was expanded during reshoots . Graham Hopkins and Willem du Preez, both character actors with decades of experience, add depth to the film’s more dramatic moments, though their screen time is limited.

Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Vision and the Challenges of Ensemble Filmmaking

Kganki "Star" Mphahlele, the film’s director, is no stranger to the pressures of helming a project with a large cast. His previous work, including the 2021 drama Knuckle City, earned critical acclaim for its gritty realism, but Six in the City marks a deliberate pivot into comedy. In a snippet from a now-archived interview (details unverified), Mphahlele described the film as a "love letter to Johannesburg and the friendships that define us," though the exact quote cannot be confirmed .

Ensemble films are notoriously difficult to balance, and Six in the City reportedly faced its share of challenges. Multiple sources suggest that the script underwent significant revisions during production, with some scenes being rewritten to better highlight the dynamics between the six leads . Rumors of on-set tension between cast members have circulated, though none have been substantiated. One unverified report claims that a key scene—a heated argument between two of the friends—was improvised after the actors "forgot" their lines, leading to an unexpectedly raw moment that made the final cut. However, without confirmation from the cast or crew, this remains speculative.

What is clear is that Mphahlele’s vision for the film leaned heavily into authenticity. The Johannesburg setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, with scenes shot in iconic locations like Maboneng Precinct and Newtown. The director’s decision to use real city streets over studio sets reportedly caused logistical headaches, including noise complaints from residents and last-minute permit issues . Yet the result, according to early audience reactions, is a film that feels alive and immersive.

The Plot: A Simple Premise with Complicated Execution

At its core, Six in the City is a straightforward story: a man’s heartbreak becomes the catalyst for his friends to reunite, only for their own unresolved issues to bubble to the surface. The film’s tagline—"Five friends. One disaster. Zero chill."—captures the tone, which sources describe as a mix of raunchy humor and poignant moments . The first act sets up the protagonist’s failed romance, while the second act devolves into a series of misadventures as the friends attempt (and fail) to keep their own drama in check.

The third act, however, is where the film reportedly takes a turn. Without spoiling the ending, early reviews suggest that Six in the City subverts expectations by leaning into the emotional fallout of the friends’ conflicts, rather than opting for a neat, comedic resolution. This tonal shift has divided audiences, with some praising the film’s willingness to take risks, while others found it jarring .

One aspect of the plot that has generated buzz is its handling of male friendship. Unlike many bromances that glorify toxic behavior, Six in the City reportedly delves into the vulnerabilities and insecurities that often lurk beneath the surface. A scene where the friends engage in a brutally honest group therapy session has been singled out as a standout moment, though it’s unclear whether this was scripted or born from improvisation .

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Ride

Six in the City may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The film’s strength lies in its cast, its setting, and its willingness to let its characters be messy, flawed, and occasionally unlikable. Early reactions suggest that it’s a solid entry in the "friends behaving badly" genre, with enough laughs and heart to keep audiences engaged.

That said, the film isn’t without its missteps. Some critics have pointed to uneven pacing, particularly in the second act, where the plot meanders before regaining momentum . Others have noted that a few of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, their arcs overshadowed by the central six. Still, for a director making his first foray into comedy, Mphahlele’s work is an impressive effort—one that bodes well for his future projects.

As for the cast, the film’s success could serve as a launching pad for some and a career highlight for others. Xolani Mayekiso’s performance has already sparked speculation about his next move, while Armand Aucamp and Kagiso Modupe’s chemistry has led to rumors of a potential spin-off (though nothing has been confirmed) . For now, Six in the City stands as a testament to the power of friendship—even when it’s dysfunctional.