The much-anticipated Yoruba epic film, “Kesari,” produced by Ibrahim “Itele” Yekini, will not begin streaming on Netflix as initially announced. Although earlier this month, news circulated about the indigenous language movie transitioning to streaming platforms starting January 28, 2024, recent developments suggest a delay in the release.
On Monday, January 22, 2024, What Kept Me Up reported that the release had been halted, and a new date would be announced. The absence of the Kesari poster on the Netflix newsroom, where expected movie dates are typically outlined, further confirmed this development.
“Kesari” began as a three-part YouTube series before making its way to Nigerian cinemas on August 25, 2023. Praised for being one of the first Yoruba noirs to transition to the big screens, the action thriller tells the story of a tough robber armed with charms who meets his match when chased down by an efficient policeman. The movie concluded its 11-week cinematic run with a cumulative gross of ₦78,106,925, making it the second-highest-grossing Nigerian epic title for 2023.
Produced and directed by Yekini, the film features an ensemble cast, including Mr. Macaroni, Deyemi Okolanwon, Femi Adebayo Salami, Ibrahim Lateef, Odunlade Adekola, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Yvonne Jegede.
In contrast, another feature film titled “Dinner,” directed by Jay Franklyn Jituboh, is set to commence streaming on Netflix on January 24, 2024. The story revolves around Mike Okafor, who receives an invitation from his childhood friend Adetunde George Jnr and his fiancée, Lola Coker, for dinner and a weekend together as they prepare for their upcoming wedding. Unexpected turns in the plot reveal hidden truths about each other’s relationships, with an individual at the center of it all. “Dinner” stars Deyemi Okanlawaon, Kehinde Bankole, Enyinna Nwigwe, Okey Uzoeshi, Keira Heywatch, Richard Mofe Damijo, and Ireti Doyle.
