The recent release from Nollywood, ‘The Betrayed’, has garnered remarkable box office success, amassing N24 million within just 10 days of its debut. Produced by Inkblot Productions, this film has swiftly emerged as a significant favorite in Nigerian cinemas.
As of Friday, August 9, 2024, ‘The Betrayed’ reported
earnings of N14.7 million, as per the data provided by the Cinema Exhibitors
Association of Nigeria (CEAN).
However, the film's popularity experienced a notable
increase over the weekend, culminating in a total gross of N23.8 million by
Sunday, August 11, 2024.
This impressive performance has secured ‘The Betrayed’ the
top position among Nollywood films at the box office during this timeframe.
The film is helmed by Zulumoke Oyibo, a co-founder of
Inkblot Productions, representing her inaugural venture into directing. The
screenplay, developed by Chinaza Onuzo and Tosan Ayanfulu, has struck a chord
with viewers, highlighting the film’s captivating storyline and its insightful
examination of themes such as trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth.
The Betrayed boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring Uche
Montana, Gabriel Afolayan, Adunni Ade, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jemima Osunde, Vine
Olugu, and Stephanie Zibili, whose performances have garnered significant
acclaim.
The narrative revolves around Amarachi, portrayed by Uche
Montana, whose seemingly perfect life is disrupted when her husband, played by
Gabriel Afolayan, is apprehended for the murder of his mistress.
As the story progresses, Amarachi becomes entangled in a
intricate network of lies and hidden truths, compelling her to reevaluate her
understanding of reality.
The film's gripping plot, coupled with a talented ensemble
cast, has positioned it as a highlight in Nollywood's offerings for 2024. This
year has proven to be fruitful for Nollywood at the box office, with numerous
films achieving remarkable financial success.
Earlier titles such as Funmilayo Ransom Kuti, Muri, and Ko
have collectively amassed around N100 million.
Additionally, local productions like Ajakaju, Lakatabu, and
Ajosepo have also seen significant success, contributing to an overall box
office revenue exceeding N600 million.
The remarkable success of Nollywood at the box office is
evident in its revenue share, which has reached a notable equilibrium with
Hollywood, securing 50.05% of the market compared to Hollywood's 45.95% during
the first half of 2024.
This balance emphasizes the rising strength and
attractiveness of local content to Nigerian viewers. With more than 600,000
cinema tickets sold at an average price of N4,000, the industry's achievements
are commendable.
Forecasts for 2024 indicate that Nigerian box office revenue
may attain N10 billion by the end of the year, an increase from N7.34 billion
in 2023.
This upward trend underscores the growing commercial
potential of Nollywood films and the heightened demand for homegrown cinematic
offerings among Nigerian audiences.
