If it weren’t for my role as a movie reviewer, I wouldn’t have even considered watching ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ at the cinema. The producers resorted to attention-grabbing tactics, like awarding crossdresser Bobrisky as the best-dressed woman at the premiere, sparking backlash due to Nigeria’s stance on LGBT rights.
As criticism intensified, so did discussions about the film. It seems the producers attempted damage control by releasing insincere apologies to Nigerians, likely while counting their profits.
Underwhelming Plot: More Style Than Substance
You might wonder, why stir up controversy to promote a movie? Well, after viewing it, I can confidently say it’s not worth your time. The storyline feels like it’s straight out of a children’s book or an old TV show, lacking depth and complexity.
The plot revolves around King Towobola, played by Odunlade Adekola, who faces pressure to produce a male heir. He brings home a mysterious woman, Adaralewa, played by Eniola Ajao, who is revealed to be an antelope seeking revenge for her parents’ murder.
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Let’s talk about the costume department. They missed the mark, particularly with King Towobola’s beard, which looked like it was glued on. The inconsistency in his appearance was distracting. Additionally, the use of black powder to age one of the characters seemed unnecessary and poorly executed.
It’s worth noting that Eniola Ajao reportedly invested heavily in producing the film. However, this investment didn’t translate well, as evidenced by the decision to use goats instead of antelopes. Surely, there are antelopes available for filming in places like the Yankari Game Reserve in Nigeria.
The money spent on hiring popular actors could have been better allocated to location shoots. Instead, characters like Lateef Dimeji and Yinka Quadri seemed to serve little purpose in the film, leaving their potential unfulfilled.
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I believe lesser-known actresses from theatre arts schools would have been better suited for roles played by Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, and Fathia Balogun. This would have injected fresh talent into Nollywood and encouraged creativity.
The film’s conclusion was disappointing and unrealistic. Despite Adaralewa’s murderous past being exposed, the king accepts her back without consequence. This unrealistic resolution undermines any potential lessons the film might have offered.
Overall Assessment: ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ Falls Short
In conclusion, ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ falls short in many aspects. Nollywood directors should consider consulting psychologists to ensure their narratives resonate with audiences. The film’s poor sound design further detracts from its overall quality, making it a forgettable experience for viewers.