Lakatabu marks another project where Odunlade Adekola takes on multiple key roles, serving as the director, lead actor, and one of the writers. Released in cinemas around four to five months ago, the film arrived amidst a surge of Yoruba “epic” themed productions that have flooded the market since 2023. With the popularity of films Yoruba action dramas like Jagun Jagun, this trend has become oversaturated and somewhat concerning, creating an air of predictability in Nollywood’s offerings.

It was evident during Lakatabu’s cinema run that Adekola’s fanbase largely drove ticket sales. While he certainly commands an audience, this points to a wider issue in the industry. It is troubling that a portion of the Nigerian audience remains drawn to content that is often lacking in substance.

\ This creates a cycle where filmmakers continue to cater to these tastes, producing stories that frequently lack coherence, with contrived and exaggerated actions that undermine the narrative. Sadly, this type of storytelling does little to challenge or enrich its viewers, instead fostering a cinematic landscape where thoughtfulness is often sacrificed for sensationalism.

Story

Lakatabu centers around the emotional and psychological transformation of its protagonist, Lakatabu (Odunlade Adekola), as he transitions from being an enforcer for the kingpin/king to becoming a vengeful force against the criminal society that betrayed him. What drives this shift is the betrayal by the very power structure he once helped elevate, leading him to use his mystical powers and criminal influence for destructive purposes.

While the film attempts to delve into the broader societal implications of unchecked power and corruption, it ultimately struggles under the weight of convoluted storytelling. The storytelling is marred by a lack of logic and common sense, leaving audiences appalled by the nonsensical developments on screen.

Key elements that should have served as highlights, such as Lakatabu’s supernatural powers, come across as unconvincing. Despite his formidable abilities, the film showcases an overwhelming reliance on conventional weaponry, reducing the supernatural to mere spectacle. The moments that do attempt to demonstrate his powers are few and far between, often overshadowed by melodrama and gunfire. When traditional methods fail, Lakatabu’s response is dismay rather than the strength one might expect from a character endowed with such extraordinary capabilities.

Furthermore, the narrative does not adequately explore the emotional depth of Lakatabu’s transformation, instead opting for clichéd tropes that dilute the story’s potential impact. This results in a tale that ultimately feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, failing to fully engage with its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of vengeance. Lakatabu, anyway, reflects on how individuals, driven by personal grievances, can turn against the very systems that once empowered them. And it does so in a manner that leaves much to be desired.

Plot

In Lakatabu, Odunlade Adekola portrays Lakatabu, as a fearsome and enigmatic criminal who commands a gang that terrorizes the community with their audacious and violent operations. Lakatabu’s power stems from mystical fortifications granted by a Babalawo (herbalist), making him nearly untouchable. His reign of terror is seemingly unchallenged until the authorities become involved.

The plot attempts to delve into Lakatabu’s past, revealing that he was once a tool in the hands of the king, aiding in the monarch’s rise to power. However, this backstory is revealed slowly and in an unengaging manner, detracting from the overall narrative impact. The film’s structure feels dull and disengaging, failing to captivate the audience as it meanders through Lakatabu’s history.

After his betrayal by the king, Lakatabu turns against the society he once helped shape, embarking on a violent vendetta characterized by kidnappings, murders, and the spread of fear. The authorities appear confused and powerless against him, unable to grasp the full extent of his brutality or their incompetence in addressing it.

In a twist, Bolanle Ninalowo’s character, initially presented as an independent criminal figure, is revealed to have a shared past with Lakatabu. This revelation feels forced and ill-timed, undermining the tension and coherence of the story. Rather than enhancing the narrative, it serves to further dilute the stakes.

The film culminates in a series of flashbacks designed to unpack Lakatabu’s motivations, exposing the betrayal by the king and the assassination attempt that followed. However, by this point, the lack of a compelling build-up to these revelations leaves the audience feeling disconnected and unimpressed, rendering the climax less impactful than it could have been.

Technical Aspects

Lakatabu showcases commendable visual storytelling. The cinematography effectively captures the tension between the serene community and the chaos instigated by Lakatabu, enhancing the film’s dramatic weight. From the very first scene, there is a palpable atmosphere of uneasiness, accentuated by careful attention to visual detail, which reflects Odunlade Adekola’s directorial intent. One particularly striking camera technique is the repeated slow circular shot that draws the audience into the protagonist’s twisted mind. While this approach initially creates a compelling sense of disorientation, its overuse diminishes its impact as the film progresses.

Although the CGI starts strong, it gradually diminishes in effectiveness, yet remains manageable overall. The integration of special effects serves to enhance the mystical aspects without overshadowing the narrative. The set design, particularly for Lakatabu’s hideout is lazy and unrealistic. The designs and banners of skulls for a “hideout” are quite ridiculous. The film’s use of music is also subpar.

However, the overall technical execution is barely average, and this is further compounded by unconvincing costuming choices. The costumes, particularly for the protagonist, lack authenticity and fail to elevate the character’s imposing presence, detracting from the immersive experience the film seeks to create.

Performances

Tope ‘Teddy A’ Adeniyi stands out as one of Lakatabu’s more grounded performances, playing Lakatabu’s second-in-command with his charisma and controlled presence that contrasts with the over-the-top moments of others.  This helped anchor scenes that might otherwise veer into melodrama, making his performance a notable highlight.

Odunlade Adekola delivers a familiar yet serviceable portrayal of Lakatabu, the embittered protagonist. His performance captures the menacing nature of a man who has been betrayed, but it lacks the emotional depth that could have elevated his character. In pivotal scenes where Lakatabu’s internal conflict should have been more palpable; particularly moments of frustration or triumph. Adekola’s performance falls short of conveying the full intensity of his character’s emotional turmoil. This leaves his portrayal feeling more functional than transformative, sticking too closely to Adekola’s established action-hero persona from previous roles.

Adunni Ade’s performance provides a critical pivot in the film’s climax. Cast as the unlikely hero who ultimately confronts Lakatabu, she does well in moments that require her to show emotional vulnerability. However, her character is ultimately written as a narrative device rather than a fully fleshed-out individual, which limits the scope of her performance.

Bolanle Ninalowo, introduced as a kidnapping kingpin turned agent of justice, struggles with an inconsistent character arc. His initial portrayal as a stranger to Lakatabu, only to reveal a long-standing acquaintance later, creates a confusing dynamic that undercuts the tension between the two. While Ninalowo’s physicality and screen presence are commendable, the character’s lack of coherent motivation diminishes the performance’s impact.

Lateef Adedimeji reprises his spiritually fortified persona, similar to his role in Jagun Jagun, but his performance wavers. His introduction is powerful, immediately grabbing attention, but the consistency of his delivery falters as the film progresses. Adedimeji shines in ritualistic moments of incantation and mysticism, but his performance lacks the gravitas necessary to fully anchor the film’s mystical elements.

Tina Mba, as one of the supporting characters, unfortunately over-dramatizes her role. Her exaggerated facial expressions and vocal delivery, while intended to heighten the drama, often feel out of place in the film’s otherwise gritty atmosphere. This overacting breaks the immersive experience and detracts from the tension built.

Broda Shaggi, as a streetwise character, brings his signature slapstick humour to the film, but his comedic antics feel disconnected from the darker, more serious tone of the narrative. His scenes often feel like skits inserted to fill time rather than integral components of the plot, weakening the film’s overall cohesion.

Final Thoughts

Lakatabu exemplifies the pitfalls of attempting to handle too many roles when making a film. A recurring issue in Nollywood, particularly with films like this, is when one person takes on the duties of producer, director, writer, and, in some cases, lead actor. This overwhelming load often results in a lack of focus across key aspects of the film. In Lakatabu, Odunlade Adekola has yet to determine where his strengths lie. Should he prioritize his acting or refine his directorial skills? The film leaves us questioning his choices, as each part spirals into disarray without any clear sense of direction.

The story and plot are unengaging, devolving into another run-of-the-mill Nollywood Yoruba supernatural (juju) drama, devoid of coherence or serious effort. Performances lean heavily on melodrama, failing to bring any sense of realism or gravitas to the supernatural elements. It is surprising that the film initially saw success in cinemas, especially given its superficial treatment of the genre.

From the opening scenes, there’s a faint hope for something remotely impressive, but as the plot unravels, it becomes clear that this promise will not be fulfilled. The narrative lacks a clear trajectory, leaving viewers confused and disinterested. Lakatabu prompts one crucial question: where is this story headed? When you realize it’s going nowhere, you’ve already lost interest.

Verdict

Lakatabu struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative, ultimately falling prey to the pitfalls of overambition. While Odunlade Adekola’s multifaceted role as director, lead actor, and writer hints at a strong vision, the film often loses its way amidst disjointed storytelling and a reliance on familiar tropes. Despite commendable technical aspects and some noteworthy performances, the lack of emotional depth and coherent character arcs undermines its potential.

The film serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in juggling multiple creative responsibilities, highlighting the need for clarity and focus in filmmaking.

Rating: 1.5/5