A week after the Jayan Moodley directed film Meet The Khumalos released, it claimed the number four spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 movies. In addition, it reached 4.8 million views; and it was the top 10 film in 35 countries.
In a posting on social media, Moodley thanked the viewers, the cast and the crew.
"... Words cannot describe my love for you all, my absolute admiration for your insane talent, my impatience to have the opportunity just to see you all again. I love you guys.
"To the most amazing crew, you know who you are! How awesome was the wardrobe, the hair and make up, the production design and oh... the cinematography, technical lawlessness, the post production and sound design!! Thank you all.
"Truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support for our film from audiences all over the world! Another powerful testimony that South African films are making their mark on the global stage. Thank you all."
In the comments section, Kashmiri Neerahoo Maharaj wrote: I watched in the Netherlands. Was excited to find it available on my Netflix here! Congratulations.
Shama Iyer added: Congratulations again Jayan Moodley. You and your team rock. Watched it with my niece in NZ. Thank you for the good laughs and drama.
The movie, which stars Khanyi Mbau, Ayanda Borotho, Jesse Suntele, Khosi Ngema and Bonga Dlamini, among others, was inspired by the Kandasamy films.
It is about two moms, who were once best friends, and now arch-enemies. They start a neighborhood war against each other when they find out their kids are head-over-heels in love. The result is a load of big laughs.
Speaking to the POST today, Moodley said there were many key creative choices that contributed to the movie's success.
"But perhaps the one at the top of the last was casting. I already had a solid idea of who we wanted and when we got our first choices for the top four, I knew we were in for something special.
"Fighting for top spot though, is the team of writers, who come together to make it happen. Wendy Gumede and Gillian Breslin gave us the magic script to begin with, and it was then execution of that script.
"Choosing the right creative core group, heads of departments, locations, equipment, all have their role to play. So it's a combination of so many factors, unlocking the imagination of so many stakeholders that come together at the end."
She said the movie resonated with viewers and people "love to laugh, and we love to relate".
"We love a celebration of culture and who doesn't love a beautiful love story? Viewers could identify with the meddling mothers, the dynamic with the mum-in-law, the young couple in love, and the dad's bromance. It's about making a connection with each other through the medium of film."