by David Adejumo
According to fresh data from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), Lakatabu was the highest-grossing Nollywood film at the box office between June 21 and June 27, 2024.
Actor Odunlade Adekola is both the director and producer of the mostly Yoruba language film. With about ₦65 million in receipts, it became the second highest-grossing film of all time. It has made ₦64.8 million at the box office overall.
The trailer chronicles the tale of Lakatabu, portrayed by Adekola, a magically assisted armed robber who terrorises, abducts, and kills people while at large. Once rivals begin to threaten him, the film’s plot twists dramatically. The difficulties Lakatabu encounters, the terror he inspires, and the fallout from his power are all explored throughout the movie.
With ₦62.2 million, the Hollywood action comedy Bad Boys: Ride or Die, starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, is the highest-grossing film. According to data from CEAN, Hollywood films topped the list of the highest-grossing films at the Nigerian box office throughout the month of June.
The action highlights the overwhelming preference for Hollywood content over Nollywood among Nigerian moviegoers.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a film directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, was the highest-grossing Nollywood film until May 23, 2024, when it took in nearly ₦47 million. The other three Nollywood films that reached the new list were Muri and Ko, directed by Biodun Stephen; Criminal, directed by Dolapo Adigun for the first time; and Offshoot, directed by Ayeny T. Steve, with ₦22.3 million, ₦4.1 million, and ₦2.7 million, respectively.