As per the Nigerian box office data, the film secured the
third-highest opening of the year 2024, garnering over 11,000 cinema
admissions.
“Lakatabu” made a strong debut in the Nigerian film
industry, grossing N47 million during its opening weekend. This impressive
performance secured its position as the third-highest opening film of 2024 in
the country.
During the week of June 21 to June 27, “Lakatabu” achieved
remarkable success, becoming a phenomenon that dominated the Nollywood box
office charts. With an impressive revenue of nearly N65 million during that
week, it secured the position of the highest-grossing Nollywood film and the
second-highest-grossing film overall.
It Is noteworthy that this accomplishment follows another
successful Nollywood production, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” by Bolanle
Austen-Peters. The latter held the top position in box office sales during May,
generating approximately N47 million, and concluded its five-week run with a
cumulative revenue of N156.6 million.
Set against the backdrop of Yoruba culture, “Lakatabu”
presents a compelling narrative.
“Lakatabu” presents a compelling storyline featuring
Adekola, a formidable armed robber with extraordinary abilities.
The character he portrays depicts a perilous realm of
criminal activity, engaging in confrontations with competitors and eliciting a
combination of apprehension and curiosity among the general public.
Yoruba Cinema and the Impact of Odunlade Adekola: An
Overview
Adekola’s influence extends well beyond the boundaries of “Lakatabu.”
Throughout his career, he has achieved notable success, including the
blockbuster film “Orisa,” which generated N127 million in revenue. His
acclaimed performances have garnered him two prestigious AMVCA awards,
solidifying his position as one of the most commercially viable actors in the
Nollywood industry.
The recent success of ”Lakatabu” is indicative of a broader
trend, wherein Yoruba cinema is garnering substantial recognition both
domestically and internationally.
Films such as “Ajakaju” by Eniola Ajao and “Ajosepo” by
Kayode Kasum have achieved notable success at the box office and have also
secured distribution on prominent streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon
Prime.
The transition to digital distribution has unlocked new
opportunities for Yoruba films, enabling them to access a global audience and
contribute to the evolving narrative of African cinema.