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FIRST WEEK OF CINEMA RELEASE, KING OF THIEVES SCORES MANY FIRSTS

Shoots Editor

April 13, 2022
5 min read
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FIRST WEEK OF CINEMA RELEASE, KING OF THIEVES SCORES MANY FIRSTS

By Dauda Bushirat Adetutu

From the account of Niyi Akinmolayan, the MD of Anthills studios and co-producer of the film King of Thieves, the Yoruba indigenous Epic film that was released to the cinema on Friday, 8^th April 2022 has recorded first on all fronts to the admiration of all industry’s stakeholders.

In his ‘Thank You’ message posted on his Instagram wall, Niyi was full of appreciation to Nigerians for coming out en masse to see the new film at the cinemas, despite the economic situation of the country and the restrictions of Ramadan fasting, “Thank you Nigerians, you have shown us once again that you want your own stories, made by your own people. You have shown us that the path to true global greatness is in supporting authentic African art. We can’t contain our excitement. In just three days, even with Ramadan in the air, King of Thieves made almost a 43million naira and is set to shatter more records” he concludes

According to Niyi Akinmolaya, King of Thieves has made landmarks in the following arears for now:

*Number one film of the weekend

*The biggest opening for a Nollywood film released in April

*The biggest opening for a Nollywood release in 2022

*The biggest opening of all time for an indigenous release

*The biggest Yoruba film release of all time

*The biggest opening of all time for an Epic film

*The biggest single-day Gross Box Office for Nollywood films in 2022

*The biggest Non-December opening for a Nollywood film in the Pandemic era.

*The biggest opening for Euphoria and Anthill Studios

*The biggest single-day GBO for any film released in 2022

*The biggest single-day GBO for any Nollywood film released in 2022

*The biggest single-day GBO for a non- December released Nollywood film

You will recall that the movie, King of Thieves premiered on Sunday, April 4 2022 at IMAX cinemas. Aside from being a cultural explosion, it was a gathering of entertainers, and captains of industry.

Fashion took its most glamorous turn for the Cultural Extravagant theme “Epic and Dangerous”. The stars showed us yet again how it’s done with their head-turning interpretations of the theme, all looking dangerously attractive and elegant.

King of Thieves is a partnership effort between Niyi Akinmolayan‘s Anthill studios and Femi Adebayo‘s Euphoria 360. The movie is co-directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami and stars Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Adedimeji Lateef, Aisha Lawal, Mr. Macaroni, Peju Ogunmola, Adebayo Salami, Broda Shaggi, and a host of others. The premiere was attended by cast members, prominent industry players, artists, and more.

Even before the premier, positive comments had greeted the film. An admirer of the classic work of art has this to say, “I have just seen about 20mins of King of Thieves. I cannot put in words the feelings I felt watching cinematic excellence in undiluted, unadulterated and unapologetic authentic form. This is surely the film to beat for the first half of 2022. This is arguably the gold standard for authentic Epic films from the continent.” Moses Babatope, Managing Director, FilmOne Entertainment.

After the premier, Muyiwa Ademola, a consummate actor and director has this to say, “A few days ago, we all went to Imax in Lekki with the intention of supporting Femi Adebayo Salami but alas we ended up witnessing a historical feat. I am a lover of art and good films especially the didactic ones. AGESINKÓLÉ ticked all the boxes. It stands for excellence. The paparazzi that came with the premiere was huge but it is so tiny to the greatness of this film. The story concept is so lovely with beautiful moving images, pleasant locations, adorable costumes, enticing cast, scintillating sound, befitting sets, so loaded with unforgettable aesthetics. Femi Adebayo outdid himself! Every single cast is just a round peg in a round hole, beautiful performances with no excesses.

The directors deserve so much applause! All the entire crew deserves accolades, nothing was lacking except failure! Give it to the whole cast, they will make you fall in love with Yoruba language over and over again with their lovely and engaging deliveries. Anthill-studios touches added so much artistic beauty. AGESINKÖLÉ is a beautiful film. Watching it will give you ultimate satisfaction. Please make sure you empty your bladder before getting into the cinema to watch it as there won’t be any moment for you to leave until the last minute. Special Congratulations to Femi Adebayo Salami, Anthill-studios, Euphoria 360, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo. THE KING OF THIEVES is an artistic meal we must all devour as it is so tantalizing!”

Meanwhile, T.Pumpy Concepts Limited rewarded the best dressed for the evening in male and female categories with a cash prize of N1,000,000,000 million each. Nollywood stars, Eniola Ajao and Stan Nze took home the gold.

Here is how some of the favorite stars showed up at the premier;