The film’s early success is proof of Funke Akindele’s prowess as a maestro in comedy flicks and the queen of the Nigerian box office.
By Helena Olori
Funke Akindele’s blockbuster, A Tribe Called Judah, is gearing up for its UK premiere at Odeon Cinemas starting December 29, 2023, with Independent Film Exhibition Consultancy (IFEC) helming its distribution in the UK.
The film, praised by avid filmgoers and critics for its riveting storyline, action, and outstanding performances from the cast, premiered in cinemas in Nigeria on 15th December with much fanfare.
A Tribe Called Judah recorded a historic opening for Nollywood, becoming the biggest opening of all time, after securing a staggering N122 million. It also claimed the top spot for single-day earnings in 2023, amassing over N60 million within 48 hours of its theatrical release, as reported by the Nigerian Box Office.
(Read also: Funke Akindele’s Battle on Buka Street Sets New Box Office Record in Nigeria)
Directed by Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu (Captain Degzy), A Tribe Called Judah follows a family of five boys who resort to robbing a small mall owned by one of the boys’ money-laundering ex-boss, to fund their ailing mother’s N18 million surgery. Their plan takes an unexpected turn on arrival, as they are faced with another gang of armed robbers.
A Tribe Called Judah features some of the finest talents in the industry, including Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Jide Kene Achufusi, Olumide Oworu, Tobi Makinde, Uzee Usman, Yvonne Jegede, Genovevah Umeh, and the multi-talented Akindele, who donned the role of actress, director, and producer for this masterpiece.
The star-studded, action-packed comedy-drama has been the most talked about Nollywood film this December and is the number one overall film in Nigeria and West Africa. As of Tuesday 19th December, the film has raked in a total of N175.5 million, surpassing other highly-anticipated December releases.
(Read also: Kemi Adetiba Returns with New Netflix Partnership, Teases Upcoming Title, To Kill a Monkey)
The film’s early success is proof of Akindele’s prowess as a maestro in comedy flicks and the queen of the Nigerian box office. Her previous films – Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Battle in Buka Street – currently stand as the highest-grossing films in Nigerian cinema history.
With an anticipated surge in cinema attendance during the holiday season, along with the encouraging reviews for the film, A Tribe Called Judah has a good chance of becoming the third consecutive film by Funke Akindele to achieve significant success at the box office, possibly making her films the top three highest-grossing films in Nollywood.