Mathews Rantsoma on the action-packed movie Sterring

Sterring premieres on Showmax on Friday, 4 April after making its debut at the Joburg Film Festival last month. 

SAFTA nominee Mathews Rantsoma (Scandal!, Adulting S3) leads the action-packed comedy as Ramz, an aspiring actor who becomes a real-life hero after stopping a mugging.

Watch the trailer for Sterring

Sanelisiwe Mhlati sits down with Mathews to find out more about Sterring, which is directed by Africa Movie Academy Awards nominee Kgosana Monchusi (A Safe Bet, Four Walls). 

Ramz is an underdog with big dreams, much like many aspiring actors. What was it about his story that made you want to play this role?

The fact that he’s an underdog, he’s passionate, his imagination runs wild, and he doesn’t really care what anyone says. If I’m being honest, it’s also because most actors go through that phase - the one where you believe you’re Denzel Washington or John Kani, you know? The influence of what feeds your soul really shapes that belief.

Ramz is obsessed with 90s action movies. Did you grow up watching them too?

I grew up watching Cynthia Rothrock, Chuck Norris, Sylvester Stallone, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. I pulled a lot of inspiration from them and then placed an actor into the shoes of this character. That helped me shape how Ramz reacts to moments of inspiration. I also took cues from the director - his vision of the world and how the character should feel. Combining all that with simply having fun made it easier.

The action sequences were high-energy! Did you do any stunt training for this role?

Um... no! But my background in physical theatre and circus training made it easier. Plus, it’s fun - who doesn’t love some fun on set?

Ramz gets caught up in his own hype and starts losing the people who matter most.  If you were in his shoes, would you have handled things differently?

I’m not sure. Fame is tricky to navigate. A lot of us say we would, but then it hits, and suddenly things are different. Chances are, I might react the same, but maybe I’d keep the parties and drinking away from my parents - and probably drink less!

Ramz finds himself in a messy love triangle with Lesedi and Nadia. In real life, are you more into the day-one ride-or-die like Lesedi, or the superstar, out-of-reach dream girl like Nadia?

Day-one ride-or-die, definitely! I might take a little detour along the way, but I’d always come back.

In Sterring, Ramz struggles to see what’s right in front of him when it comes to love. Have you ever been in a situation where you only realised someone was “the one” a little too late?

Yes! Luckily, I figured it out sooner than Ramz, but I’ve been there. It’s a scary feeling when you start realising it in your gut.

Ramz and Boiki are the definition of best friend goals. Do you have a Boiki in your life - someone who’s been with you through thick and thin?

Definitely! I think everyone needs a Boiki - one, two, maybe even five or seven! It’s so important to have a friend who believes in you and sticks by you no matter what.

What makes a friendship unbreakable, in your opinion?

Trust and honesty. Having fun together but also knowing when to stop each other from going too far. Friends who truly believe in each other make the best kind.

Sterring has some incredible relationships. Which dynamic was the most fun for you to explore on set?

I enjoyed working with everyone, but I would probably say Dipolello Letsholo, who plays the role of Selinah the gold digger. She’s hilarious! She comes off as very quiet, but when the director calls “action,” forget about it - Selinah is gone!

Sterring is all about unexpected heroes. Who’s a real-life hero that inspires you?

My wife. She’s the absolute best human being. No matter the circumstance, she stays true to herself, and that inspires me to fight to continue being myself - to be Mathews, in all my weirdness.

What’s the biggest thing you learned from playing Ramz - either as an actor or personally?

Whatever you do, do it passionately. Ramz is driven by so much passion that it almost hurts when you read the script. Whatever he does, he goes all out. That can be dangerous, but it also sets you apart.

Sterring touches on real issues like staying true to your dreams; family; friendship; and bullying. What message do you hope audiences take away from it?

That fame isn’t worth losing yourself. It’s built to make it easy for people to manipulate you. Rather be famous for what you do, not for who you are. The film conveys that message in such a subtle yet powerful way - I think it’s beautiful how it was written in, or how it naturally found its way into the story.

Sterring brings action, drama, and kasi life together in an exciting way. What do you think makes it stand out from other local productions?

Probably because it dares to dream. It has a different feel but a familiar taste, you know? I think most, if not all, people will relate to it - it’s hilarious, man!