Aki and Paw Paw are Nollywood legends. Rising to fame in the hilarious Aki Na Ukwa in 2003, they created the start of a partnership spanning decades with multiple movies, all blockbuster comedies that foster heavy nostalgic memories among audiences across the continent. So, it is no surprise that the incredible duo is back on the streets of Nollywood comedy after years in hibernation. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) star in this comedy-sequel.
This Biodun Stephen directed and Stephen Oluboyo and Ozioma Ogbaji-written story follows the lives of Aki and Paw living in Lagos with their uncle, Uche, while they work at a pepper soup joint owned by Mama Nki (Toyin Abraham) where they cause nothing but trouble. Aki and Paw daydream of getting rich someday and on a life-changing day, serendipity strikes and their daydream becomes reality. They meet Samantha (Chioma Okafor) who films and uploads their antics online. They go viral and become rich overnight. But being rich is not as easy as it seems. Now they have to navigate the shark infested waters of success and discern friend from foe.
If you are one for nostalgia, then this movie is for you. Seeing Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze light up your screen with their drama and theatrics is sure to give the same rumble in your tummy it did many years ago.
There is a sense of spontaneity and comedic genius that rifle through this screen-sensation, the wealth of experience the infamous duo has garnered over the years, their undeniable ability to deliver hilariously and their old-fashioned way of showcasing modern trends, is all a joy to watch. It is a plus that Nollywood comedy has not changed as much since the time the duo was in their heyday. This made it easy for the actors to fit right into the not-so-modern modern day comedy. But one wishes that the storytelling has matured a little bit. It feels very stale, even if it is still amusing.
This movie subtly showcases the culture of people from the eastern part of Nigeria (Igbos) and their usual trend of travelling home for the holidays (Christmas and New Year). It also exposes their sense of kinship amongst each other. This is evident in the scene where Samantha, Aki and Paw Paw become closer immediately they discover they are from the same state.
The movie gets quite predictable towards the end. Viewers can almost guess what is coming next. Some people may argue that comedy needs little to no suspense but some of us beg to differ, it is a simple case of, what is there to look forward to if I can predict the whole movie? It leaves nothing to be ecstatic about. It appears the creators of this movie relied more heavily on nostalgic marketing than actually creating a rock solid story.
This sequel also appears to be missing the key ingredient of continuity. From the original to the sequel, the producers fail to properly showcase the reality of the time that has gone by for Aki and Pawpaw, who are now in their 40s. The movie doesn’t feel like a continuation, more like a distantly related movie to the franchise.
Although the troubles of every slapstick comedy are visible in the movie, it is a great watch that rekindles an air of nostalgia in its audience. The duo once again steal the spotlight in a comedy that shows its audience their growth. Give it a try on Netflix.
Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
