REVIEW: ‘Ajakaju’ offers stunning visuals but unrealistic storyline

‘The Beasts of Two Worlds: Ajakaju’, a movie produced by Eniola Ajao in collaboration with Anthill Studios, made its debut in cinemas nationwide on March 29. The project was directed by Adebayo Tijani and Odunlade Adekola.

The film entered a space often met with mixed reception when it comes to Nollywood Yoruba productions, so deciding to see this film required thoughtful deliberation.

Despite initial reservations, the release of several teasers and the announcement of the cast seemed promising.

Having watched the film, I must admit it proved to be a captivating experience, surpassing my expectations. Even though it showcases promise for a cinema debut, there is room for improvement.

SYNOPSIS

A desperate king faces banishment due to his wife’s inability to produce an heir. He takes another bride who promises him a son. But her arrival brings otherworldly mayhem to the land, forcing the king to confront his fears and fight to secure his dynasty’s future.

THE STRONG POINTS OF THE FILM

The first aspect that immediately captivated me was the film’s set design. The meticulous placement of well-structured statues around the palace and along the walls showed thorough research and attention to detail in selecting the location. The cultural ambiance crafted by this setting truly stood out, making it the major highlight of the film for me.

The casting choices and performances are another highlight of the film. ‘Ajakaju’ features seasoned veterans, evoking a rush of nostalgia and unsurprisingly, they all deliver outstanding and professional performances in their respective roles. From Sola Sobowale as the king’s mother, Eniola Ajao as Ajakaju and Ibrahim Chatta as the head hunter, everyone cast in the film clearly understood their assignment.

Also praiseworthy is the film’s cinematography, particularly the special effects. How perfectly the effects and makeup were used gave the movie more authenticity. One that stood out for me is Ibrahim Chatta’s fire burn and the tearing apart of the hunters’ bodies; they look real. These effects added a heightened sense of realism to the scenes.

The originality and relatability of the themes explored in the film are commendable. Every theme in the film — from the power of money to polygamy, challenges, sacrifices of being a leader, and betrayal — is something that can be resonated with.

THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM

Despite the themes being relatable, the story as a whole is unrealistic. How do I connect with a narrative where a human marries an animal — so to say– and lives happily ever after? There was also no opposition to the king’s unconventional marriage neither from the chiefs nor villagers. Is such a scenario realistically possible?

Another flaw of ‘Ajakaju’ is the inconsistent voiceover. While I understand the intention of catering to non-Yoruba-speaking audiences, a more consistent voiceover would have been better. At times, you forget it is there, and then suddenly it comes back. I think using subtitles alone would have been enough.

There are also several unanswered questions. Did the person responsible for the trouble faced by the king and the village experience any consequences for his actions, or did he escape punishment? The king was supposed to be banished immediately after 10 years, why was he allowed to stay for some months after? After all, nobody knew his sons were still alive until they appeared at the end.

FINAL VERDICT

‘The Beasts of Two Worlds: Ajakaju’ gets a 6/10.