Maphumulo stars alongside Mduduzi Mabaso in a film that tells the life story of the former MK soldier who was once South Africa's most-wanted criminal.
Playing Grace Chauke gave her an opportunity to tell a part of South Africa's history, she told The Times.
"We all knew the stories of Collen and how tactical his bank robberies were. It is such a rich South African story.
"I loved the love story between Collen and Grace and wanted to be able to tell their story," she said.
Maphumulo described Grace as a strong and feisty woman who wanted a better life and future for herself.
"She tried to find the equilibrium between being a girl from the township; but being a girl who is smart and not too ghetto or uptight about life," said Maphumulo.
"Playing Grace has been lovely. It's nice to share what kind of person she was - just how everyone wanted to be her and be like her. She was a smart girl and worked at the JSE. Back then that was a huge thing."
The actress said that she couldn't wait for people to watch the final product and hoped that people would walk away "feeling educated" .
Other cast members include Meshack Mavuso, Thami Mnqolo, Pearl Modiadie and musician Ntsiki Mazwai.
Chauke was behind 17 murders and robberies worth millions of rands. He was arrested near the Swaziland border in 1999 for a R12.6-million cash-in-transit heist.
He died in jail in 2003 while serving a 20-year sentence.
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