Epic Blockbuster “Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)” Reigns Supreme at Nigerian Box Office
The latest Yoruba epic film to grace Nigerian cinemas, “Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju),” has set the box office ablaze, grossing an impressive ₦101.2 million within its first five days of release. This announcement was made by the film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
According to data published by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), “Beast of Two Worlds” debuted with a stunning ₦63.2 million during its opening weekend, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film released this year. Surpassing expectations, the epic even outperformed the Hollywood blockbuster “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which premiered concurrently with a weekend gross of ₦49.3 million.
While the CEAN is yet to release data for the film’s first-week gross performance, the initial figures highlight the overwhelming success of “Beast of Two Worlds” at the box office.
A collaboration between Anthill Studios and renowned Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao, making her debut as a producer, the film weaves a captivating tale of a king on the brink of banishment unless he produces a male heir. His decision to take a new wife in desperation unleashes chaos upon his kingdom, setting the stage for a riveting narrative.
Directed by Adebayo Tijani and featuring the acclaimed Odunlade Adekola in the lead role of the king, the film boasts an ensemble cast of industry veterans, including Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Ibrahim Chatta, Peju Ogunmola, and Olayode Juliana.
“Beast of Two Worlds” joins the ranks of other indigenous epics that have captivated audiences and dominated the Nollywood scene, following in the footsteps of acclaimed titles such as “Aníkúlápó,” “King of Thieves,” “Òrìṣà,” and “Jagun Jagun.” Its monumental success underscores the enduring appeal of indigenous storytelling and solidifies its place as a cultural phenomenon within the Nigerian film industry.
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