Veteran filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola’s latest movie, Ori: The Rebirth, has made a powerful debut at the Nigerian box office, grossing an impressive N97.8 million in its opening weekend.
The Yoruba-language film, which officially launched in cinemas on May 1, 2025, pulled in N19.5 million on its first day alone. Over the weekend, ticket sales reached N78.3 million, pushing the total just shy of the N100 million mark and making it one of the most successful Nigerian movie openings this year.
“Ori: The Rebirth” is a spiritual sequel to Ademola’s 2004 award-winning film, Ori-which means “Fate” in Yoruba. The new film explores themes of destiny, spirituality, and sacrifice, weaving a mystical tale around Bisade, whose sudden death is orchestrated by a malevolent cult. The story draws deeply from Yoruba cosmology and symbolism.
On Sunday, the film unseated the previous box office leader, Sinners, earning N39.3 million compared to Sinners’ N33.7 million. However, Sinners maintained its lead as the highest-grossing film for the entire weekend.
Ademola, who invested over N400 million in the production, described the film as a labor of love. “I believe people will connect with the movie,” he said, expressing confidence in its cultural resonance and urging public support.
With its strong start, Ori: The Rebirth is now seen as a contender for one of the biggest box office runs by a local film this year.
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