The micro-budget film by Theshen Naicker, titled 'My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding,' has received two nominations at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards 2026. These nominations were awarded for Best Costume and Designer, as well as for Best Micro-Budget Film.
The film was released in theaters in December 2025. Naicker himself expressed surprise regarding the nomination in the wardrobe and costume category, considering the presence of larger films from Netflix with substantial costume budgets.
Naicker stated that thanks to his fifteen years of experience dressing brides, he independently adapted existing Eastern garments into looks combining Indo-African style. Lehengas were created for both men and women for the film, along with Indian suits for men.
Expensive brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton were used in Western costumes, which Naicker acquired during international trips. When developing the wardrobe, he aimed to reflect an Afrocentric aesthetic, so some outfits featured Indian pieces adorned with African jewelry.
In Naicker's opinion, the actors' clothing contributed to the film's appeal and made it 'beautiful.' He noted that working on the wardrobe without funding was a challenging task but provided an opportunity to showcase his sense of style, given that the characters in the film led a wealthy lifestyle. He emphasized that he did not compromise on the quality of the wardrobe because each character required a distinct style.
The process of creating and selecting these outfits reminded Naicker of his childhood dreams of becoming a fashion designer—a dream he abandoned after a relative told him that one could not earn money in that profession. Naicker stated that this film validates all his hard work, and the nomination itself is an honor. He is proud that his micro-budget film, which cost a few hundred thousand, achieved such success.
Following this success in the film industry, Naicker took a break from his 'Aunty Sheila' videos. He currently has a second film in development, the production of which is planned to begin next year. Furthermore, he has received offers to make a film, but he cannot disclose details yet.
