The newest period drama film in the Nigerian language, Anikulapo, debuted on Netflix on September 30. Kunle Afolayan both produced and directed the movie. It follows a guy called Saro and recounts a lovely tale through the lenses of culture and tradition. The narrative is set in the Old Oyo Empire in the pre-colonial period, as far back as the 17th century.
The beginning of Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo movie tells the tale of Anikulapo before he developed the ability to rise from the dead. Simple artisan Anikulapo fell in love with the queen, who was the king’s wife. What she wanted was unclear to him. But he knew he had feelings for her.
Anikulapo on Netflix depicts how the monarch came to learn of the relationship and decided to have the familiar artisan put to death. After passing away, Anikulapo met a bird named Akala in the afterlife who vowed to give him another opportunity. This probability involves his not passing away once again and being able to revive. Anikulapo acquired his authority in this manner.
English Definition of Anikulapo
The Yoruba term “Anikulapo” is a compound of the words “Death” and “Pouch/Purse.” This suggests that the English translation of Anikulapo is “He who holds death in his pouch/purse.”
Filming Location
In Igbojaye, Kumo in Oyo State, Kunle Afolayan Production Film Village Studios and Resort served as the location for the film Anikulapo. Anikulapo, a Kunle Afolayan and Netflix collaboration, was filmed by Jonathan Kovel on a 40-acre lot with all the necessary infrastructure specially erected for the production. It was developed and filmed in the recently inaugurated KAP resort in a small village in Oyo State.
The Story of Anikulapo Movie
The narrative’s protagonist is Saro (Kunle Remi), an also-oke weaver from Gbongan who migrated to Oyo to pursue a better life. Arun (Sola Sobowale), the older lady he first met, inspires him to start a relationship while also helping him establish his as-oke weaving business in Oyo. As Saro’s life was improving, he disregarded Awarun’s cautions and engaged in an extramarital relationship with the youngest, childless wife of the Alaafin, Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye).
When the Alaafin (Taiwo Hassan) learned of their scheme on the eve of eloping with the queen, he issued an arrest warrant and executed Saro. The tale starts to take shape at this point. Saro is dead, but the fabled Akala bird has revived him. Defeating the bird, Arolake obtained its magical gourd, which she then presented to Saro.
Together, they escaped to Oba Aderoju’s village of Ojumo (Hakeem Kae Kazeem). At this point, he changed into Anikulapo, the raiser of the dead. With the aid of Arolake and the magic gourd, he flourished. From here, however, his tale descended into a tragedy because, as he rose to great success, he also developed an insatiable need for power and reckless use.
Casting
With very few exceptions, the characters in the film were all brilliantly cast. As the princess Omowunmi in Anikulapo, Eyiyemi Afolayan should have made her film debut in a different part, given that she could hardly speak Yoruba. Oba Aderoju, who Hakeem Kae-Kazim portrayed, was a stupid ruler who was somewhat bland despite having an enticing face.
A more ferocious outburst of rage, a yell, or even lip-syncing with a vocal double may have been used to depict a stupid or muttering monarch. Sola Sobowale, Ropo Ewenla, Adebowale Adebayo, Bimbo Ademoye, Taiwo Hassan, and other actors controlled their individual roles in the film in addition to Kunle Remi, who played Saro with ease.
Filmmaking and Direction
A straightforward narrative is evident in the photography, color scheme, and scenario handling. Anikulapo’s production design was traditional. The film was filmed at the brand-new KAP Film Village Studios and Resort Igbojaye, Kumo, in Oyo State, which gives the impression that the whole movie set was constructed from scratch. This is a significant change in Nigerian filmmaking since it does away with the usage of constructed settlements.
The tribal markings complement every face, and the clothes are rather diverse. The communities include young people, seniors, pets, and the appropriate accessories. The dramatic and restrained sound effects and music throughout the film are excellent. Additionally, the conversations are well-balanced and precise.
Also Read: How To Watch Queens Online? Streaming, Cast, Plot
Verdict
The drama series “Ifa Olokun Asorodayo,” aired on NTA in the 1980s and was created by the same writer as Anikulapo, Ifayemi Elebuibon, is brilliantly recalled in this film. This partnership with Afolayan is just expected, and I hope to see many more Odu Ifa tales on the big screen before this genre ends.
It is a stunning video that brings the Yoruba culture to a worldwide audience on an aesthetic and cultural level, but in terms of storyline, they might have made the movie a little shorter. The producers also had the opportunity to elaborate on the meaning of the enigmatic bird and utilize it more often in the movie.
This movie is a lot more enjoyable to watch when compared to recent Nigerian Netflix offerings. Despite being a basic plot, it will keep you entertained. I thought the role of Saro was simply a foolish guy with no thinking or goals of his own. However, the actress who portrayed Queen Arolake did an excellent job portraying her character.
