Toyin Abraham’s Fate of Alakada is cinema’s big fruit post-lockdown

The cinemas in Lagos and other parts of the country are opened for business after a long lockdown due to the Covid19 pandemic. As expected, cinemas all over the world have experienced low patronage as a result of COVID-19 and many of them are shutting down their branches and the prediction from Nigerian Cinema is that the industry might not pick up until the later part of the year.

However, the comedy movie Fate of Alakada, which is co-produced by popular actress Toyin Abraham and Film One production, has invalidated that prediction as the movie has reportedly grossed over 30 million in the opening weekend. For observers, this is a major feat considering the fact that even before COVID-19 and in the history of the box office in Nigeria, only a few movies have done over 20 million in their opening weekend.

Directed by Kayode Kasum, the star-studded movie continues the hilarious journey of Yetunde (Toyin Abraham) alongside Instagram comedian, Broda Shaggi and it features other A-list celebrities in including Davido, Peruzzi, Odunlade Adekola, Cohbams, Mercy Eke and a host of others. It is the fifth instalment in her fan-favourite Alakada film franchise.

Head of Film Production at Filmone Mimi Bartels had this to say about this development:  “The performance of Fate Of Alakada has taken everyone by storm, we knew it will do well but nobody predicted it will do this well especially after a terrible pandemic. It is a sought of a revival for the cinema culture for the post-pandemic era. Toyin is a phenomenal.”

Also, Vice President of Genesis Cinemas, Ope Ajayi said Fate Of Alakada has kick started the Cinema culture post COVID-19.

“I think the movie is the best we have seen since we reopened particularly in the South West. Generally, it’s been a slow start but we are seeing increased confidence as people are getting more used to it so with a few more blockbusters from Hollywood and Nollywood, things will get better and it should be back to normal by December/January, we estimate” he said. Fate Of Alakada is still showing in cinemas nationwide.