Bisina Somto
Despite the increasing presence of international contenders and the growing influence of streaming platforms, Nollywood has continued to thrive. As we reach the close of the year, let’s take a closer look at the top five highest-grossing Nollywood movies of 2023 so far.
“Orisa”
Topping the list is “Orisa,” a Yoruba epic produced by the talented Nigerian actor, Odunlade Adekola. Released on July 21, 2023, the film narrates the tale of a king who jeopardizes his kingdom by losing respect for both the gods and his people.
Despite facing stiff competition from Hollywood blockbusters like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” “Orisa” made history with a record-breaking opening week, grossing ₦27.6 million. After a successful 14-week run across cinemas nationwide, the film bowed out with an impressive total gross of ₦127.89 million.
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“Merry Men 3”
The Merry Men franchise, led by comedian Ay Makun, solidified its presence in Nollywood with the release of “Merry Men 3.” The film debuted on October 13, 2023, and quickly amassed ₦100 million in just four weeks. As of December 3, 2023, the crime comedy stands as the second highest-grossing Nollywood film of the year, with a total gross of ₦117,836,230.
“Kesari”
Ibrahim Yekini’s “Kesari” made waves with a remarkable opening week that nearly rivaled “Orisa’s” record. This Yoruba epic, released on August 25, 2023, maintained its momentum, grossing ₦41.8 million in just two weeks. After captivating audiences for 11 weeks, “Kesari” concluded its theatrical run with a total gross of ₦78,106,925, securing its place as the third highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2023.
“Something Like Gold”
Breaking into the top five is “Something Like Gold,” a romantic drama produced by first-time cinema producer Sandra Okunzuwa, who also stars in the lead role. The film, still captivating audiences nationwide as of December 3, 2023, has achieved a remarkable total gross of ₦60.1 million, making it the highest-grossing romantic drama of the year.
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“The Kuju’s Again”
Directed by Biodun Stephen, “The Kuju’s Again” follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, “Introducing the Kujus,” released in 2020. Making its debut on April 21, 2023, the comedy-drama opened with ₦19 million in its first weekend and concluded its theatrical run with a total gross of ₦53.53 million, securing its place among the top-grossing films of the year.
These films not only entertained audiences but also demonstrated the resilience and creativity of Nigerian filmmakers. With December yet to unfold and new contenders on the horizon, this list may still see changes.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.
As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
Somto is dedicated to providing valuable information and entertainment to her audience while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
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