Ajakaju Review: Beast of Two Worlds’ Falling Short of Expectations Despite Hype

“Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds” is a Nigerian film that follows the story of King Towobola, played by Odunlade Adekola, who faces pressure to produce a male heir to his throne. To address this issue, he brings home a mysterious woman, Adaralewa, played by Eniola Ajao, who is revealed to be an antelope seeking revenge for her parents’ murder.

Ajakaju Review: beast of two worlds

The film has garnered attention due to its controversial promotion tactics, including the awarding of Bobrisky, a crossdresser, as the best-dressed woman at its premiere. Despite its attempts to generate buzz, the film has received criticism for its weak storyline, inconsistencies in costume design, and unrealistic resolution.

I do not think Eniola Ajao spent much on this movie as she claimed as we feel she wants to meet up with Toyin Abraham or Funke Akindele: If they can have movies in cinema, she too can do it and telling us she sold all her properties to produce this movie of funny outputs.

Controversial Promotion: A Publicity Stunt Gone Wrong

The producers of ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ resorted to controversial tactics, such as awarding Bobrisky, a crossdresser, as the best-dressed woman at the movie’s premiere. This move sparked backlash in Nigeria due to existing laws against LGBT rights.

Underwhelming Plot: A Lack of Depth and Complexity

The movie’s storyline feels simplistic, akin to a children’s book or an old TV show. It centers around King Towobola, surrounded by troublesome women, and his decision to bring home a mysterious woman, Adaralewa, played by Eniola Ajao, who seeks revenge for her parents’ murder.

Disappointing Production Choices

The costume department’s choices, including inconsistent appearances and questionable aging effects, were disappointing. Additionally, the decision to use goats instead of antelopes detracted from the movie’s credibility.

Unrealistic Resolution: A Missed Opportunity

The movie’s unrealistic ending, where the king accepts Adaralewa despite her murderous past, undermines any potential lessons. This simplistic resolution detracts from the film’s overall impact.

Failure in Sound

The sound department failed to balance the soundtrack with dialogue, making conversations difficult to follow. Attempts to evoke emotion fell flat due to the movie’s lack of depth.

Lessons for Nollywood

Nollywood directors should prioritize realistic storytelling and consult experts to ensure their narratives resonate with audiences. ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds’ missed the mark by prioritizing controversy over substance, ultimately disappointing viewers.

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