Your Excellency

Your Excellency is a 2019 comedy flick with rich politics, spiced with ebullient charisma and a precinct of a cinematic lushness that altogether offers a welcome respite from the regular thrills. Provided with the unconventional perspective of Nigerian politics, it is directed by Funke Akindele-Bello, and produced under the banner of Ebonylife Films. The movie is blessed with a venerable cast ensemble including the grace of stars like Mike Afolarin, Kemi Lala Akindoju, Funke Akindele-Bello herself, and Shaffy Bello.

The plot starts revolving around an affluent and pretentious business tycoon named Olalekan Ajadi, whose character is played with immense versatility by Akin Lewis. Ajadi is always passionate about cresting the waves of Nigerian politics but has been less fortunate in his previous attempts. However, the tides of his life changes when he gets a dedicated social media following that seemed to swing out of the blue, just when a political party’s presidential nominee dies.

Simultaneously, the movie also tells the story of a dysfunctional family, unfolding the simultaneous plot in a humorous yet elucidative way. As the strained relationships keep the laughs coming, they also depict how the code of ethics can be sidelined in lieu of power. The comedy largely emerges from the unanticipated situations and challenges that Ajadi encounters in his newly gained political journey.

Though Your Excellency is set against a backdrop of politics, it is more of a comedic observation of how modern technology can bring about a sudden change in someone's life. Throughout the movie, the audience gets an ample dose of laughter, underpinned with sparkling romance, family drama, and a vivid representation of Nigerian political culture been used as key tools to deliver the message.

In the movie, Ajadi, though seen as a bit of antithesis to leadership, becomes the pawn of social media manipulations. Twitter hashtags, Instagram protests and YouTube videos are all intrinsic to Ajadi's political journey. The clever use of social media in the narrative provides a fresh spin to Nigerian political movies and also offers subtle commentary on the power and potential of digital platforms, on politics and public perception.

One of the striking features of Your Excellency is the display of a splurge of Nigerian music and dance, coupled with a delighting touch of Nollywood’s high-drama edge. The direction by Akindele-Bello, who is renowned for her comedic acting chops, can be seen as a nod to modern populist leaders globally, painting an amusing image of a political figure whose popularity is crafted primarily in the digital world.

The performances from the cast are credible and engaging throughout the movie. Mike Afolarin, Kemi Lala Akindoju, and Shaffy Bello have delivered commendable performances. Akin Lewis, as Chief Olalekan Ajadi, is particularly remarkable, capturing the eccentricity and charm of his character with ease and proficiency. The chemistry between the actors lends a natural flow to the narrative, showcasing the synergy on screen.

Moreover, Your Excellency presents the moments of satire and morality play, which are placed strategically throughout the narrative with each character offering more than just comedic relief, thus highlighting the intelligent script and the director’s understanding of political satires. Not to forget, the festive, soulful, and energetic music which hugely contributes to setting the mood and enhancing the theme of the film.

In conclusion, Your Excellency is a comedy film where politics, farcical elements, and the vibrant Nigerian culture blend harmoniously creating an entertaining viewing experience. While it pokes fun at the political landscape, it consciously circulates the social and moral messages about the country’s political scene. With its perfect measures of humour, romance, and drama, Your Excellency does not only promise a lot of chuckles but also stir its audience's thoughts about politics and leadership. All in all, the film is a highly recommended watch for those in search of something fresh in the genre.