Director – Kunle Afolayan
Writer – Kunle Afolayan
Cast – Kunle Remi, Sola Sobowale, Taiwo Hassan, Bimbo Ademoye, Owobo Ogunde, Titi Kuti, Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Uzee Usman, Eyiyemi Afolayan and Oyindamola Sanni
Streaming – Netflix
Year – 2024
Kunle Afolayan’s latest series on Netflix, “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Sceptre,” is a tale that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and Nigerian folklore to create a captivating viewing experience.
Set in the mystical land of Ojumo, the series follows the journey of traveller Saro who passed on in the first series, as he returns to his homeland with a daunting mission: to complete a nearly impossible task before time runs out. As Saro races against the clock to avoid a dismal fate, viewers are taken on another ride filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.
One of the standout aspects of “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Sceptre” is its stellar cast, which includes talented actors such as Owobo Ogunde (newbie), Titi Kuti, Lateef Adedimeji, Kunle Remi, Sola Sobowale, Taiwo Hassan, Bimbo Ademoye, and Gabriel Afolayan. Each actor delivers a compelling performance, bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity.
Kunle Remi shines in the role of Saro, coming back after a horrible death, where his body was left to rot, decompose and be eaten away by ravens. Now Saro is the Sceptre going by the title of the production, but was this a ‘rise’ that left you grasping or satisfied that atonement had been carried out? Understandably, Saro goes back to his old tricks wriggling himself out of being a spirit and then starting a family, however for this ‘Sceptre, there was nothing remarkable. I did enjoy his apology to Olori Arolake, but everything else from him was same ol’ same o like he did not learn.
Owobo Ogunde shines as a newbie in his role as Bashorun, portraying the character’s determination and resilience with nuance and conviction. But I have seen better warriors, thankfully he isn’t screaming my ears off like the rest, but he isnt as cutthroat as I would have expected. Femi and Odumade shine, when it comes to being cutthroat, corky and fierce and Owobo doesn’t ignite that fire. He is a welcome addition though, knowing that he is related to Herbet Ogunde is a big deal and the height and facial features is quiet glaring. I just want to point out, Herbert Ogunde scared the sh*t out of me as a kid. (lol)
It was good to see Titi Kuti and Gabriel Afolayan (sometimes Gabriel can do no wrong in my eyes) amongst the others 😊 can we hand it to Uzee Usman, Eyiyemi Afolayan and Oyindamola Sanni, supporting roles, but roles that brought a distinct difference to the overall productions.
The series also benefits from Kunle Afolayan’s masterful direction, as he skillfully navigates the intricate storyline and creates a visually stunning world filled with rich detail and breathtaking scenery. Kunle holds it down when it comes to visual stunning imagery and cinematography, but adding writing to it, not sure he killed it in that aspect. After spending the whole weekend on the series only for the main plot to kick off in the last episode (sigh), I believe it would have been beneficial to have a writer run that race.
In addition, “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Sceptre” is also notable for its exploration of themes such as destiny, sacrifice, and the power of belief. As Saro and Arolake embark on there journeys, viewers are reminded of the importance of perseverance, love and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Overall, “Anikulapo: The Rise of the Sceptre” is a series that we will watch because we have expectations from the filmmaker, however it is not one that will keep you on the edge of your seat or satisfied that a masterful storyteller was at work.
Anikulapo: The Rise of the Sceptre earns a 4.5/10 but what drives this production has nothing to do with its story, plot or editing but in its visuals and the performances, of its cast.
