Film One Entertainment recently announced on Instagram that the hit Yoruba language movie “Kesari” will start streaming on Netflix on Jan. 28, 2024. This comes after the film wrapped up an 11-week theatrical run in Nigerian cinemas last year.
Produced and directed by Ibrahim “Itele” Yekini, “Kesari” tells the story of a robber armed with charms who meets his match when chased by a determined police officer. The movie features stars like Mr. Macaroni, Femi Adebayo Salami and Odunlade Adekola.
“Kesari” started as a 3-part YouTube series before making the leap to the big screen on Aug. 25, 2023. Praised as one of the first Yoruba action noirs in cinemas, it joins other Indigenous language hits like “Agesinkole” and “Orisa” in showing the viability of native language films.
The movie was a box office success, grossing ₦78 million over its cinematic run, which makes it the second highest for a Nigerian epic in 2023. Its pickup by Netflix underscores how streaming offers producers added income streams long after theatrical releases.
With Netflix releasing more originals in cinemas first before adding them to its platform, the “Kesari” deal follows suit. It brings a hit indigenous film to wider audiences globally through streaming.