King of Boys

Released in 2018, the Nigerian crime political thriller, King of Boys, directed and written by Kemi Adetiba, was a critical and commercial success. It featured an ensemble cast, with notable performances from Sola Sobowale, Remilekun Reminisce Safaru, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington.

King of Boys weaves a story that is as much about complex characters and their motivations as it is about the political intrigue, crime underworld and corrupt schemes that thread through the narrative tapestry. Ambient in Lagos, Nigeria, the film paints a grand and gritty portrait of a society where the lines between lawful and unlawful are blurred, and power is the most potent currency.

The film's central character, Alhaja Eniola Salami, played by veteran actress Sola Sobowale, is a businesswoman and philanthropist with a promising political future. She is a matriarch in a male-dominated world, commanding respect and reverence and also elicits fear and apprehension in equal measures. Salami, however, is not your usual politician. She is also a key player in the Lagos underworld, with an extensive network that adds to her power, but also threatens to become her downfall.

An underpinning element in Eniola's life is her dual role: one, as a respected pillar in society, and another, as a don in a world where might is right. And Sobowale marvelously brings this character to life, effortlessly juggling between the charming public face and the ruthless don, making audiences empathize with her, and even cheer for her, despite her malicious streak.

Remilekun Reminisce Safaru shines in his role as Makanaki, an ambitious gang member who seeks to overthrow Salami. His portrayal of a street-tough, audacious, and bloodthirsty rival provides an interesting counter to Salami's character. One can't help but be intrigued by his tenacity and ambition, even as they shudder at his ruthless methods.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington, one of Nigeria's finest actresses, delivers an engaging and emotional portrayal of Kemi, Salami's adopted daughter. Etomi's character provides an emotional core to King of Boys, standing as a representative of the younger generation caught up in the whirlwind of crime, power, and politics. Her struggle to reconcile with her mother's dual life and legacy adds another layer to the thrilling narrative.

A string of other impressive performances from a talented cast, including the likes of Paul Sambo, Jide Kosoko, Sharon Ooja, Osas Ighodaro, Lami Phillips, Akin Lewis, and more further enriches the film's intricate fabric.

The film’s plot is driven by the struggle for power, both in the political landscape and the criminal underworld. This is a high-stake game, with danger and death around every corner. Kemi Adetiba’s storytelling savviness and bold approach ensure that the film's narrative doesn't take a back seat to its character development, creating a delicate balance between the two. The incorporation of native language and English attuned to the demographics of Nigeria, offering an authentic feel of Nigerian culture.

Immersive cinematography and deftly crafted suspense and action sequences add to the film's appeal, sucking audiences into the volatile world of King of Boys. The film's dramatic score and sound design further amplify the intensity of the narrative, never failing to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Nonetheless, King of Boys does not shy away from issuing social commentary - it poses questions about the nature of power, corruption, gender disparities, and the lengths people would go to secure their position. It is indeed a testament that Nollywood continues to explore deeper, darker narratives that reflect Nigerian society and beyond.

Running at a length of over three hours, King of Boys pulls you in from the start and doesn't let go. A Box office hit, the film was the highest-grossing non-comedy Nigerian film as of its release date.

In conclusion, King of Boys is a masterfully crafted crime political thriller with a compelling narrative, complex characters delivered by splendid performances. It's a cinematic feast that leaves its audience reflecting on the themes and delighted by Adetiba’s bold, untraditional approach. It remains, undeniably, a shining example of the remarkable progress of Nollywood in exploring and delivering poignant and powerful stories.