One of the biggest challenges Mpela faced while playing Mandla was the need to communicate emotion without speaking much.

“It took me back to Acting 101: React, don’t act,” he says. “When you can’t use words to express yourself, you have to rely on body language, facial expressions, and the energy you give off. That was an incredible challenge but also one of the most fulfilling aspects of playing this role.”

He also found solace in his character’s personal space—the study. “Mandla is in his study a lot in the film, and that anchored me in the character. It was his domain, his man cave, and that dynamic allowed me to stay in character while others entered his world.”

Beyond the romantic and comedic elements, “A Scam Called Love” also delves into modern parenting. With Mandla’s daughter set to marry an American, the film touches on how African parents are adapting to a new world where children make independent choices about their futures.

“In the past, parents dictated their children’s lives, but times have changed,” Mpela notes.

“Today, we raise independent, liberal-minded kids, and we have to support them. It’s an interesting dynamic—sending them to the best schools to be educated but then struggling to accept that they’ve become free-thinking individuals.”

One of the most exciting aspects of “A Scam Called Love” is that it will premiere in cinemas rather than going straight to streaming platforms. In a time where many films opt for digital releases, Mpela sees this as an opportunity to revive the traditional moviegoing experience.

“COVID changed how we engage with entertainment, but I believe there’s something special about watching a film in a cinema,” he says. “It’s about shared moments—holding hands, laughing together, feeling the emotions of the story alongside others. Cinema brings back that sense of community, much like theatre does.”

Mpela’s portrayal of Mandla offers a deep, thought-provoking look into fatherhood, masculinity, and personal growth.

The film premieres in March on the big cinema nationwide.

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