''Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)'' is a 2024 Nigerian

thriller film Thriller film, also known as suspense film or suspense thriller, is a broad film genre that evokes excitement and suspense in the audience. The suspense element found in most films' plots is particularly exploited by the filmmaker in this genre. ...

produced by Eniola Ajao and directed by

Adebayo Tijani Adebayo Tijani is a Nigerian film producer, director and actor. Career Tijani was ranked second highest-earning Nollywood directors by FilmOne in 2022. Filmography Awards See also * List of highest-grossing Nigerian films The fo ...

and

Odunlade Adekola Odunlade Jonathan Adekola (; born 31 December 1976) is a Nigerian actor, film-maker, film producer and film director. He gained popularity and was widely known for his lead role in Ishola Durojaye's 2003 movie, ''Asiri Gomina Wa'', and has act ...

. The film stars Eniola Ajao,

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Femi Adebayo Femi Adebayo Salami (born 31 December 1976) is a Nigerian film director, actor, lawyer, producer and special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism. He is the son of actor Adebayo Salami. In 2024, he won the Afr ...

Lateef Adedimeji Adetola Abdullateef Adedimeji (born 1 February 1984) is a Nigerian actor and filmmaker. He gained popularity with his first major role in Yewande Adekoya's 2013 movie titled '' Kudi Klepto'' and has acted in over 100 Nigerian movies since he b ...

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, Olayode Juliana and others. The film which is Ajao's debut cinema production, was produced in collaboration with Anthill Studios, owned by

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. ''Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)'' was released in Nigerian cinemas on Friday, 29 March 2024.

Plot

''Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju)'' tells the story of King Towobola and his three queens, who couldn't give him an heir apparent to the throne. The king's reign soon becomes threatened after the village priests warn that he has some years left to produce an heir, or he will be forced to leave the throne and the town. On a fateful day, the king surprises the kingdom with a strange woman whom he says is his newest queen. Adaralewa has no roots and no one could trace where she comes from, and after some time, she gets pregnant and gives the king a son, but upon delivery, she throws the child into the fire. This gets the king and kingdom upset, but after some time, he gives her another chance and she bears him another son, but this time she throws the child into a river. Afterwards, the audience is shown a flashback through the king's narration. A great hunter known as Odenla went to offer a sacrifice to the forest spirit so that his hunt could be bountiful.

Selected cast

as King Towabola *

as King's mother * Eniola Ajao as Adaralewa *

as Oyenihun / Queen 1 *

as Abiade / Queen 2 *

Mercy Aigbe Mercy Aigbe (born 1 January 1978) is a Nigerian actress, director, fashionista and businesswoman. She is best known for her Yoruba language movies. Early life Mercy Aigbe was born on 1 January 1978 in Edo State to Pa Aigbe and Mrs. Abisola Gr ...

as Oyeyiola / Queen 3 *

as Alani *

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as Olu Ode * Tayo Amokade as Sekere * Yinka Quadri as Oloye Otun * Peju Ogunmola as Iyalode * Murphy Afolabias Olu Awo *

as Ode Apa Igala

Production and release

The film was released in cinemas on 29 March 2024 and grossed ₦101.2 million within five days of release. The premiere, which was held before the cinema release, was accompanied by backlash following the announcement of transgender crossdresser

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as the 'Best Dressed Female' at the event. The announcement, which the producer later revealed was a publicity stunt to further promote her film, resulted in widespread backlash and controversy.

References

{{reflist Nigerian thriller films 2024 films Yoruba-language films