Local raunchy comedy 'Khaki Fever' tops streaming charts

CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson chats to award-winning author and filmmaker, Brett Michael Innes.

Listen below:

'A raunchy, South African comedy. A group of rangers working on a private game farm challenge each other to see who can have sex with the most tourists during the holiday season.'

So reads the synopsis of 'Khaki Fever'.

With an age restriction of 18, this is definitely not a film to watch with the family.

Watch the trailer below:

"This naughty movie, set in the bush, is just doing its thing. We are the top-viewed Afrikaans film in Showmax's history... the bushveld boys and girls are doing their thing."

- Brett Michael Innes, award-winning author and filmmaker

Innes has taken a bold comedic turn with his latest film, 'Khaki Fever', which has become the most-watched Afrikaans title on Showmax. 

Set in a bush lodge, the raunchy satire follows game rangers competing to seduce tourists - all while dodging strict lodge policies and a missing French bulldog. 

Since premiering last week, the film has topped Showmax viewership charts, outpacing even international heavyweights like 'Conclave'.

Best known for intense dramas like 'Sink' and 'Fiela se Kind', Innes says the shift to comedy was intentional, offering audiences relief in a heavy news cycle.

Despite early backlash and attempts to boycott the film, 'Khaki Fever' has struck a chord – thanks in part to its unapologetic humour, improvisation-heavy performances, and an ensemble cast of local heavyweights.

"There was a huge boycott to try and get this film cancelled. People trying to get it pulled off air before it was released based on a headline, and they haven't seen it. It really mobilised quite a large conservative base who believe that just a concept like this existing has no place in our country."

- Brett Michael Innes, award-winning author and filmmaker

"We've made a film which has really hit the target market. It's so South African. We all know these people. We all know these jokes. If you've been to a game lodge, sat around a braai, you know them. I mean, just the concept alone, the idea of game rangers with a competition to see who can hook up with the most tourists. We all know this goes down. Everyone we've chatted to in the industry, the game ranging industry has been like, well done... you've nailed it on the head."

- Brett Michael Innes, award-winning author and filmmaker

The film is also notable for its use of intimacy coordinators on set, a rarity in local productions, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for the actors and crew during risqué scenes.

Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.