Is Material Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Material is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Material Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2012, Material enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Cassim Kaif is a young Muslim man who works in his father's fabric shop in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. Under the direction of Craig Freimond, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Riaad Moosa, Carishma Basday, Quanita Adams. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Material offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Material is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of Comedy, it serves as a skippable entry unless you go in with lowered expectations.
Material Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2,000,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Material Budget
The estimated production budget for Material is $2,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of Material
- Riaad Moosa – Cassim Kaif
- Carishma Basday – Zulfa
- Quanita Adams – Shareen
- Denise Newman – Fatima Kaif
- Krijay Govender – Dadi Kaif
Top Highlights
Riaad MoosaCassim Kaif
Carishma BasdayZulfa
Quanita AdamsShareen
Denise NewmanFatima Kaif
Krijay GovenderDadi Kaif
Zakeeya PatelAisha Kaif
Vincent EbrahimEbrahim Kaif
Joey Yusuf RasdienYusuf (as Joey Rasdien)
Royston StoffelsRafiq Kaif
Afzal KhanFaheem
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Material stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Material movie hit or flop?
Material has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Material worth watching?
Material is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Material?
Material is a Comedy movie that Cassim Kaif is a young Muslim man who works in his father's fabric shop in Fordsburg, Johannesburg. In the family tradition, Cassim, as the only son, ...
