Set in the grandeur of the Oyo Kingdom and rooted deeply in Yoruba folklore, Aníkúlápó tells the story of Saro, a young sojourner filled with ambition, restlessness, and dreams bigger than the land he came from. Seeking greener pastures, Saro arrives in Oyo, where his life takes a turn when he becomes romantically involved with Arolake, one of the king’s wives, an illicit affair that plants seeds of doom as tradition, power, and envy intertwine.
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After his affair with Queen Arolake is discovered, Saro is executed as per the immutable laws of the palace. Death, however, does not mark the end for him. He is resurrected by a mystical bird known as Alaka (the Akala bird), which bestows upon him supernatural powers, the ability to give life and to take life. But this second chance comes with a heavy price. As Saro rises in fame and influence, his use of this power draws the attention of enemies, rivals, and supernatural forces alike.
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Corruption, greed, and betrayal lurk in every corner: Saro’s relationships strain under the burden of his secret power. Arolake’s loyalty and motivations shift as palace politics threaten her safety. The mystic bird itself becomes a symbol for both salvation and destruction. Scenes alternate between the opulence of court life, rich fabrics, elaborate ceremonies, regal majesty and the darker side of power: envy, supernatural debt, and familial betrayal. In the end, Saro is forced to reckon with what he has become, and viewers are left to ponder: was the resurrection worth the cost of his humanity?
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Director: Kunle Afolayan
Cast: Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, Sola Sobowale, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Taiwo Hassan
Runtime: 111 minutes
Watch trailer here
