On February 14, 2024, Nollywood’s romantic comedy All’s Honest in Love premiered in cinemas, amassing a powerful N7.6 million in ticket gross sales on its opening day.
Regardless of the style’s comparatively modest reputation, the movie continued to draw audiences, incomes N10.4 million throughout its superior screening simply two days later.
An announcement obtained by Nairametrics highlighted the movie’s achievement: it grew to become “the highest-grossing rom-com film, incomes over N10.4 million in simply two days.”
This marked Deyemi Okanlawon’s debut as a movie producer. Launched through the sometimes gradual February Valentine’s season, the movie’s success defied expectations.
Traditionally, movies launched throughout this era have been projected to make about N60 million. Nevertheless, All’s Honest in Love, in collaboration with FilmOne and Speed up TV, achieved a powerful N131,340,915.93, surpassing field workplace expectations for a love-themed story by 118%.
The movie additionally grew to become the second most-watched Nigerian film upon its launch on Prime Video. A number of elements contributed to the movie’s efficiency on the Nigerian field workplace.
Insights from the Filmmakers
Based on government producer Deyemi Okanlawon, the movie’s success in opposition to all odds could be attributed to varied elements. He emphasised the significance of a compelling plot construction in capturing the viewers’s consideration.
“The narrative of All’s Honest in Love revolves across the complexities of relationships between two Nigerian enterprise companions and buddies, performed by Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson, who turn into romantically entangled with the identical girl, portrayed by Buhle Samuels,” Okanlawon defined to Nairametrics. “The movie broke away from standard Nollywood storylines, delivering a plot that was each partaking and relatable. Its distinctive twists and character growth resonated deeply with audiences, making a memorable cinematic expertise.”
The movie’s visible enchantment additionally performed a major position in its success. Using cutting-edge expertise and methods ensured that every scene was visually charming, enhancing the storytelling and drawing audiences into the movie’s world.
One other essential facet was the movie’s casting. “The movie’s casting was a masterstroke, that includes A-list Nigerian and South African actors who delivered highly effective and genuine performances,” Okanlawon famous. The ensemble solid, together with Ireti Doyle, Juliet Ibrahim, Adedimeji Lateef, Magnificence Tukura, Venita Akpofure, Kunle Bamtefa, Gbubemi Ejeye, Kenzy Udonsenm, Oprah Okereke, and Timilehin Ojeola, introduced their substantial social media followings to cinemas and on-line platforms, producing important buzz and contributing to the movie’s widespread reputation.
Funds and Advertising Technique
Primarily based on information gathered by Nairametrics, the price range for the romantic comedy was estimated to be between N150 million and N200 million.
This substantial price range supplied the monetary assets essential to carry its ideas to life, each in manufacturing and advertising operations.
The advertising technique for All’s Honest in Love was modern and efficient, leveraging the facility of social media influencers to achieve an enormous viewers and generate pleasure. “The premiere occasion, mixed with strategic out-of-home (OOH) promoting, ensured most visibility and engagement, driving audiences to theatres and on-line platforms,” one other filmmaker acknowledged. “This complete method heightened consciousness and translated into important field workplace and on-line viewership success.”
Partnering with FilmOne, a number one movie distribution firm, ensured All’s Honest in Love reached a large viewers regionally and internationally. The strategic distribution plan maximized the movie’s attain and accessibility, considerably contributing to its field workplace success and on-line viewership.
Behind the Scenes
The artistic staff behind the movie included Deyemi Okanlawon, who crafted the story and served as an government producer alongside Moses Babatope, Kene Okwuosa, and Colette Otuesho.
Producers Deyemi Okanlawon and Esse Akwaka dealt with casting, whereas Kayode Kasum and Ifeme C.S. directed and served as administrators of pictures.
The staff’s experience laid the groundwork for the Nollywood rom-com to attain stellar efficiency on the Nigerian field workplace.
Deyemi Okanlawon, a chemical engineering graduate from the College of Lagos, transitioned from a quick stint on the NNPC Kaduna refinery to a decade-long profession in gross sales and advertising. His expertise consists of roles at Baker’s World, QuikLinx Advertising Options (co-founder), Proshare Nigeria, Gross sales Goal (founder), Dealfish Nigeria, and OLX Nigeria.
