MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Obaram’ A Musical Storytelling Genius

Movie Title: Obaram

Release Date: 26 August 2022

Casts: Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, Onyeka Onwenu, Bolanle Ninalowo, Nkem Owoh, Chizobam Ewuzie, Anosike Angelo, E Plane, William Chinoyenem, Darasimi Nadi, Tolulope Odebunmi, Ikponmwosa Gold, Onyebuchi Ojieh, Rough koins, Ikekhua Anthonia, Sydney Egere, T-Clef, Preach Bassey, Waje Iruobe and Bolaji Ogunmola

Obaram, meaning ‘My Blood’ in Igbo, is a film that demonstrates how music can enhance storytelling, making it more captivating and emotionally charged.

The 2022 Nollywood film ‘Obaram’ exemplifies how music can enhance storytelling by conveying a wide range of emotions. The film, which means “My Blood” in Igbo, uses music to evoke feelings of sadness, love, anger, happiness, and regret, making the audience more deeply engaged in the narrative.

While not flawless in every aspect, ‘Obaram’ successfully weaves music into the story, leaving viewers emotionally invested.

The film opens with a poignant song performed by Oluchi (played by Nancy Isime) and Ihunaya (Darasimi Nadi), each singing from different locations. Oluchi sings in a bar in Lagos, while Ihunaya sings on her way to school.

Though their connection isn’t immediately clear, the song hints at a deeper relationship that becomes more evident as the film progresses. This musical element adds layers of suspense and emotion from the start.

A standout feature of *Obaram*’s introduction is its character exposition. As the music plays, the camera offers glimpses of the main characters, raising intrigue and suspense.

The audience is left wondering how these characters are connected and what role music will play in their journeys. This clever use of both music and cinematography helps build anticipation early in the film.

Set between Enugu and Lagos, ‘Obaram’ tells the story of Oluchi, a promising singer who abandoned her daughter, leaving her father to raise the child. After her father’s death, Oluchi faces the daunting task of reconnecting with her daughter.

Music becomes the bridge through which she attempts to mend their broken relationship, but the past continually disrupts their progress.

The film explores Oluchi’s struggle to reconcile with her daughter, as past mistakes surface each time they get closer. The tension between the mother and daughter, compounded by the truth of Oluchi’s past, makes their attempts at unity difficult. Music remains central to their relationship, symbolizing both their bond and the barriers keeping them apart.

Plot

In the village, Ihunnaya, played by Darasimi Nadi, lives unaware of her true parentage. She believes her grandfather, Humprephy (Nkem Owoh), is her father, not knowing that her biological mother is actually Oluchi, whom she regards as her elder sister.

During her youth, Oluchi became frustrated with her boyfriend Fidelis (Deyemi Okanlawon) due to his financial struggles. Hiding her pregnancy, she decides to pin it on a wealthy man, believing he can provide her and the baby with a luxurious life.

However, Oluchi’s dreams of a good life fall apart when the wealthy man is arrested for fraud, leaving her pregnant and alone. With no other option, Oluchi returns to her father’s house in the village.

After giving birth, she quickly realizes the hardships of raising a child in poverty. Overwhelmed by the responsibility, she decides to take the baby to an orphanage, but her father intervenes, taking full responsibility for the child.

Oluchi, unwilling to face motherhood, abandons the village and her daughter, fleeing to Lagos to pursue her music career. She cuts off communication with her father, refusing to ask about Ihunnaya or take his calls.

Focused solely on her dream of a better life, she ignores the existence of her child for ten years, immersing herself in the struggle of becoming a successful singer.

Ten years later, following her father’s death, Oluchi is forced to return home. Confronted with the loss and the presence of Ihunnaya, she can no longer avoid her responsibilities.

The tragedy of her father’s passing serves as a turning point, bringing her face-to-face with the child she abandoned and the choices she made.

Now, Oluchi must confront the mistakes of her past and reconcile with the role she has long neglected. Her return forces her to reckon with the consequences of her actions and embrace the challenge of becoming a mother to Ihunnaya, a responsibility she has been running from for so long.

Positive

The movie ‘Obaram’ stands out for its vivid and colorful cinematography, bringing life to various locations, the cast, and other film elements. The visuals add vibrancy and depth, making the film visually engaging and enhancing the storytelling experience. The use of colors and settings beautifully reflects the different emotional tones throughout the movie.

As a musical, ‘Obaram’ excels, arguably making it one of Nollywood’s best in this genre. The original music compositions blend comedy, sorrow, love, and celebration seamlessly.

These songs are not just a backdrop but an integral part of the film’s narrative, providing substance and elevating the viewer’s emotional connection to the story.

The performances of the cast members are also noteworthy, particularly Nancy Isime as Oluchi, who delivers an exceptional portrayal of her character. Darasimi Nadi, playing Ihunnaya, shines as a child actor, embodying the emotional depth required for her role.

The overall casting contributes significantly to the film’s success, making the characters feel authentic and relatable.

The storyline of ‘Obaram’ is compelling and relatable, drawing the audience into its emotional journey. While the plot doesn’t break new ground, it resonates deeply with viewers by exploring familiar struggles and triumphs.

The film skillfully navigates different emotions, from joy to sorrow, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

‘Obaram’ is grounded in a Nigerian context, reflecting real-life dynamics and relatable situations. This relatability enhances the film’s credibility, making it feel authentic and meaningful to the average Nigerian viewer, who can easily connect with its themes of family, responsibility, and redemption.

Negative

While ‘Obaram’ stands out in many areas, it does have a few shortcomings that, if addressed, could have made the film even more polished. For instance, though the music is a highlight, the lip-syncing feels a bit off, with the actors making it overly obvious. This is something viewers might need to overlook in order to fully enjoy the musical experience the film offers.

Another notable issue is the scene where Ihunnaya goes missing. Despite the basketball court being brightly lit, the search party uses torches, which feels unnecessary.

Additionally, their search efforts seem limited, making their claim of having “searched everywhere” feel unconvincing. These minor details could have been handled with more attention to make the scene more believable.

At times, the film seems to lose focus due to its musical elements. While the music is engaging, there are moments when it feels like the storyline is taking a backseat, as though the film becomes more about the music than the plot. This shift in focus might leave some viewers feeling a little detached from the core narrative.

Despite these flaws, ‘Obaram’ still stands out for its musical vibrancy, solid performances, and emotionally charged scenes. It’s clear that the creators put significant effort into crafting a unique Nollywood musical. With a bit more fine-tuning, it could have been even better.

In the end, ‘Obaram’ remains one of the must-watch Nigerian films of 2022/2023, offering a blend of music, emotion, and cultural resonance that makes it a standout.

Verdict 8/10