Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) – Nollywood Epic (2024)

Beast of Two Worlds, also known as Ajakaju, is a Yoruba-language Nollywood epic released in 2024. Directed by Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani, it marks the cinema production debut of actress Eniola Ajao, produced in collaboration with Anthill Studios .

Plot & Genre

This drama-thriller-fantasy centers on a king who faces banishment if he fails to produce a male heir. In desperation, he marries a woman from another realm who promises him a child—but her arrival brings unexpected chaos and challenges to his kingdom’s stability Prime.

Cast Highlights

• Odunlade Adekola – portrays the king and co-directs the film

• Eniola Ajao – plays the mystical new wife and also produces

• Supporting cast features Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Ibrahim Chatta, Peju Ogunmola, and Olayode Juliana.

Runtime is approximately 1 hour 35 minutes

Box Office Triumph

• Opening weekend gross: ₦63.2 million, the highest for a Nollywood film in 2024 and outperformed Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (₦49.3 million) Pulse.

• Total after five days: ₦101.2 million, a strong start for Ajao’s first production

• Within a week, it surpassed ₦145 million, positioning it as one of the top-grossing films of 2024 in Nigerian cinemas.

Significance

Beast of Two Worlds joins the wave of recent Nigerian epics such as Aníkúlápó, King of Thieves, Òrìṣà, and Jagun Jagun, cementing the popularity of culturally rich, indigenous storytelling in Nollywood.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Beast of Two Worlds is more than just a box office victory—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With its compelling story, stellar cast, and record-breaking performance, it highlights Nollywood’s growing mastery of epic storytelling. Eniola Ajao’s debut as a producer, supported by Anthill Studios, clearly resonates with audiences.