Prophetess (film)

Prophetess is a 2021 Nigerian sports comedy film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. The film stars Toyin Abraham, Kehinde Bankole, Uzor Arukwe, Stan Nze and Tina Mba in the lead roles. The film is based on a local prophetess who make bold bogus predictions about the outcome of a local club football match which goes beyond her control.[2] The film had its theatrical release on 2 April 2021 and opened to positive reviews from critics.[3][4][5] It also became a success at the box office.

Prophetess
Directed byNiyi Akinmolayan
Written byNiyi Akinmolayan
Victoria Akujobi
Based onfootball
Produced byVictoria Akujobi
Mimi Bartels
Matilda Sola
StarringToyin Abraham
Kehinde Bankole
Stan Nze
Uzor Arukwe
Deyemi Okanlawon
Seyi Awolowo
Lateef Adedimeji
CinematographyBarnabas Emordi
Production
companies
Anthill Productions
FilmOne
Distributed byFilmOne Entertainment
Release date
  • 2 April 2021 (2021-04-02)
Running time
142 minutes
CountryNigeria
LanguagesEnglish
Yoruba
Box office₦131.2 million[1]

Synopsis

Ajoke (Toyin Abraham) is a prophetess in a small rural town who makes predictions about the future in exchange for money. One day she becomes an overnight sensation and popular among the Nigerians when she correctly predicted both the Arsenal's triumph at the UEFA Champions League as well as the winner of the Big Brother Naija television reality show during an Instagram live session with Dipo, an On-Air personality (OAP) and social media influencer. People start to believe her statements and even make huge bets on a local football club called Wonder Boyz soon after when Ajoke claimed that Wonder Boyz would defeat league table topper Gidi Boyz. The owner of the popular betting company Sure Banka, Eze-Ego (Uzor Arukwe) acknowledges the Ajoke's prediction and he attempts to involve in match-fixing in order to not let the Wonder Boyz win the match. With her life in danger, she elicits the help of her sister, Labake (Kehinde Bankole) who at the time is trying to cater for their mother's medical needs.[6]

Cast

Production and release

Prophetess is the second collaboration between Niyi Akinmolayan and Toyin Abraham after Elevator Baby.[7] The film was predominantly shot in Ibadan.[5] It was set in Layole village in Oyo State. The director of the film Niyi Akinmolayan revealed that the veteran lead actress Toyin Abraham who played the titular lead role as the prophetess had once entered the spirit for nearly one hour during a rehearsal prior to a shooting sequence. It also delayed the rehearsal and crew members were made to await for over an hour.[8] The film is also under the West African Film Fund with Co-production partners Huahua, Empire Entertainment and FilmOne.

Reception

According to Sodas 'N' Popcorn, "the flaw with Prophetess is that much of the humour looks to be a product of the acting, and not the film. If the acting is great, the lines are far from it."[4]

Jerry Chiemeke of Nigerian Entertainment Today said "Ultimately, Prophetess is a testament to Niyi Akinmolayan’s ambition and his dedication to improving himself. It is not a perfect film – it is 30 minutes too long – but it is his best one yet, and it shows how far he has come since Kajola. It’s a comedy, but it’s meaningful too, and unlike many of today’s films, it succeeds in delivering a coherent final act." It was also rated 6.8/10.[6]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref
2022 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Sound Editor Bayo Adepetun And Biola ‘Lala’ Olayinka Nominated [9]

Box office

The film grossed over ₦43 million within just four days in the opening weekend despite the restricted seating capacity due to the COVID-19.[10] The film grossed ₦108 million in the first four weeks after its release.[11]

See also

List of Nigerian films of 2021

References
  1. "Top 20 Films Report 23rd 29th April 2021".
  2. "Toyin Abraham unveils the teaser for 'Prophetess' directed by Niyi Akinmolayan". Pulse Nigeria. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  3. Nwogu, Precious (22 March 2021). "Fast rising actor Waliu Fagbemi joins cast of Niyi Akinmolayan's 'Prophetess'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  4. Ajao, Kunle (2 April 2021). "Movie Review: 'Prophetess' and the merits of Likeability". Sodas 'N' Popcorn. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  5. Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (3 April 2021). "Niyi Akinmolayan's Mighty Prophetess". This Day. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  6. "Movie Review: Niyi Akinmolayan's "Prophetess" Is Ambitious". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 28 April 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  7. Bada, Gbenga (16 January 2021). "Niyi Akinmolayan returns with new film, Prophetess". The Nation (Nigeria). Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  8. Yaakugh, Kumashe (8 April 2021). "The Prophetess: Toyin Abraham once 'entered into the spirit' during rehearsals". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  9. "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  10. "Box Office Information - Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria". ceanigeria.com. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  11. "'Prophetess', 'Breaded Life', here are 5 top grossing Nollywood movies this April". Pulse Nigeria. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
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