Hakkunde

Hakkunde is a 2017 Nigerian drama-comedy film that combines a tasteful blend of humor, reality, and insightful storytelling to provide entertainment as well as share a unique perspective on life and societal issues in modern Nigeria. Directed by the talented Oluseyi Asurf, and featuring popular actors like Frank Donga, Rahama Sadau, and Maryam Booth, the film also strengthens its appeal with strong performances that vibrant color to the screen.

The title, "Hakkunde", which is coined from a phrase in the Hausa language meaning 'the act of searching' is a significant hint to the movie’s storyline. The movie revolves around the central protagonist, Akande (played by Frank Donga), an educated but unemployed graduate who, after several years of job search in Lagos, decides to relocate to Kaduna, a state in the North of Nigeria, upon the advice of a distant relative. Akande's life takes a drastic and unexpected turn, nudging him into a journey of self-discovery and purpose ignited by a series of experiences and people he encounters after his freshness to this new environment gradually wears off.

As the comedy-drama unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and life situations where the characters have to grapple with their realities while reflecting an array of human experiences and societal issues such as unemployment, gender discrimination, stereotypes, rural life and the strife of displaced people (IDPs).

Frank Donga, the leading actor, wonderfully embodies the character of Akande. Known for his innate ability to humorously portray the real-life struggles of average Nigerians, Donga stirs laughter while making a profound statement about the Nigerian society. His ability to deliver a set of emotions that ranges from humor to frustration and optimism, is commendable as it enhances the narrative.

Rahama Sadau perfectly portrays the character of Aisha, a unique and courageous woman who is not held back by societal norms and expectations. Sadau's compelling performance brings out the strength and resilience of Northern women who break molds and defy stereotypes, turning their limitations into stepping stones for survival. Maryam Booth, starring as Halima, further enriches the storyline with her enigmatic personality and intriguing character dynamics, which add a whole new layer of depth to the movie.

The film painting the stark contrast between urban and rural life and the vast cultural differences. The different settings - city and rural landscapes - serve as backdrops that mirror the changes, challenges, and growth in Akande's life. The filmmaker's ability to blend urban and rural landscapes together as contrasting worlds through deft cinematography is highly notable. A combination of Yoruba, English, and Hausa languages further adds to the cultural richness of the film, capturing the unity in the diversity that Nigeria is well-known for.

The soundtrack and background score match up with the story and scenes excellently, adding vitality and depth to the viewing experience. From a directorial perspective, Oluseyi Asurf does a commendable job at balancing comedy with reality, encouraging thought-provoking reflections on societal issues, while ensuring that the audience gets its fair share of entertainment.

Certainly, Hakkunde offers a fresh and engaging story that explores societal issues significant to not just Nigeria but societies worldwide, through comedy-drama, a rich cast, and a profound message of self-discovery and purpose. Despite having an unpredictable plot and the challenges of life being abundantly clear, the movie doesn't fail at giving its viewers an optimistic ending, suggesting that after every struggle comes success.

Without explicitly aiming to educate, Hakkunde subtly leaves its audience thinking and reflecting on the known and unknown realities of life, making a viewing experience both enjoyable and thoughtful. Thoughtfully scripted, beautifully filmed, and well-acted, Hakkunde is a must-watch movie that combines real-life situations with humor, thus making strong statements about the Nigerian society while keeping viewers entertained.