With Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo trending high on social media since its Cinema and Netflix releases on the 30th of September, and Femi Adebayo’s Box office hit, King of Thieves (Agesinkole) also streaming on Prime Video, it goes to show that the language movies with a deep cultural context may be setting new standards for Nollywood (mind you a third, Elesin Oba written and directed by the late Biyi Bandele is also due for streaming soon)
Two different stories with similar cultural contexts; King of Thieves, also known as Ogundabede, directed by the duo of Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo, tells the story of how Agesinkole, a notorious thief and his ruthless gang are terrorising the historical town of Ajeromi and how the different groups including the hunters (Ode) and even the unsuspecting witchcraft skills of the King’s wife, Olori Adegbite are resisting his terror by fighting back.
Anikulapo, directed by Afolayan on the hand is a romantic story about Saro, a sojourner who eventually, due to an elaborate warm reception from Iyalode Awarun, settles successfully in Oyo town and starts an affair with the King’s youngest wife, Olori Arolake. The plot also highlights polygamy's effects, especially from a feminist perspective.
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| Toyin Abraham plays Olori Bomuola in Agesinkole. |
Both movies had a roll call of A-list actors who gave impressive performances, as expected. Anikulapo’s lead actors Kunle Remi (Introducing the Kujus) and Bimbo Ademoye (Breaded Life) though new to such cultural settings, brought good craftsmanship. Ademoye effortlessly conveyed the timidness of the young and brave teenage Olori, who was more or less forced into marriage. Remi, who had earlier worked with Afolayan in the 2021 hit comedy, ‘A Naija Christmas, also did a good job.
Sola Sobowale (KOB), contrary to what has been opined as her now familiar stereotypical casting of a loud or noisy character, brilliantly interpreted her role of the cool, calm and calculating Iyalode Awarun and definitely added value to Anikulapo as well as other Nollywood veterans like of Alh. Taiwo Hassan aka Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Baba Wande, Moji Olayiwola, Ronke Oshodi and Adewale Elesho, to mention a few. Casting Hakeem Kae Kazim in a cameo appearance of a king that speaks through his aide is brilliant and strategic in portraying how a king in the Old Yoruba kingdom communicates to his subjects.
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| Lead actors; Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye in Anikulapo |
In ‘King of Thieves, Adebayo led a powerful cast of A-list actors, including Odunlade Adekola (who also plays the lead in soon-to-be-streamed Elesin Oba ) and Toyin Abraham (Ghost Tout, Alakada) as Oba Adegbite and Olori Bonuola, respectively. Lateef Adedimeji (Ayinla) also delivered in his minor role of Abegunde, while Dele Odule and Peju Ogunmola were also brilliant in their special roles.
Being an action drama, Agesinkole is very fast-paced with accompanying high-tempo incidental soundtracks, and the visual effect (courtesy of Anthill Studios) made a lot of sense. while Anikulapo maintained a pace ideal for drama, its soundtracks are properly aligned to enhance the narrative.
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| Odunlade Adekola plays the lead in the fourth coming movie, Elesin Oba |
With the modest success and huge discourse around them, Agẹsinkólé, Aníkúlápó, and the forthcoming Elesin Oba are not just signalling a resurgence of keen interest in language movies, but it is also becoming clear that our rich cultural heritage is a goldmine for effectual storylines with uplifting and enriching morals and more importantly, positive portrayals of the Nigerian social context.
Thus, an enviable standard is set; forward can only be the way to go with future productions.
Ire O!
Anikulapo streams on Netflix Agesinkole streams on Prime Video UK. Elesin Oba starts streaming on Netflix on November