FROM RATTLESNAKE TO MERRY MEN: 10 MOVIES THAT FEATURED LATE NOLLYWOOD ACTOR FRANCIS DURU

Francis Duru built a career that stretched across different generations of Nollywood. From the home-video era to cinema releases, his film credits reflect his long involvement in Nigerian storytelling.

His breakthrough role as Ahanna in Rattlesnake remains closely associated with his name, but his work extended well beyond that production. Here are 10 movies that featured the actor.

1. Rattlesnake (1995)

Duru played Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s crime drama, which follows a young man drawn into organised crime after difficult changes in his childhood. The role brought him widespread recognition and became a defining part of his career.

2. Blood Money (1997)

He appeared in this early Nollywood thriller, remembered for its exploration of wealth, ambition and ritual killings. It belongs to the period when Nigerian home videos were attracting a growing audience.

3. Nnenda (2009)

Directed by Izu Ojukwu, Nnenda featured Duru alongside actors including Stephanie Okereke, Ramsey Nouah and Van Vicker.

4. Home in Exile (2010)

Duru joined the cast of this drama directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. The film added to his body of work during Nollywood’s continuing expansion into cinema releases.

5. Stigma (2013)

In Stigma, Duru played a counsellor. The drama also featured Jackie Appiah, Hilda Dokubo and Emeka Ike, with Dagogo Diminas directing.

6. Illusion (2017)

This production is another of Duru’s screen credits, marking his continued presence in Nigerian films more than two decades after his breakthrough.

7. Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)

Duru portrayed Inspector Jack in the action comedy about four wealthy Abuja men whose glamorous lifestyles conceal other activities. The film introduced his work to another generation of cinema viewers.

8. The Good Husband (2020)

He played Theophilus in this relationship drama, appearing alongside a cast that included Sam Dede and Monalisa Chinda.

9. Eagle Wings (2021)

Duru portrayed Air Vice Marshal Petinrin in this military film centred on Nigerian Air Force personnel. The role placed him within a production focused on military service and operations.

10. Blood Vessel (2023)

Duru also featured in this thriller about six people who flee unrest in the Niger Delta and become stowaways aboard a ship. It forms part of his later film work.

Together, these titles show the span of Duru’s career—from the films that helped establish Nollywood’s home-video audience to productions made for cinemas and streaming viewers.