The Nollywood film Queen Lateefah, directed by Adeoluwa Owu and starring Wumi Toriola, has become one of the highest-grossing films in Nigerian cinema, bringing in over ₦300 million. It has now joined the ranks of Nollywood blockbusters, such as Ajosepo and Ajakaju, and is notable for achieving this milestone outside of the peak December release period, a rare feat that solidifies its success in the industry.
Queen Lateefah has steadily climbed the box office rankings, now holding the position of the seventh highest-grossing Nollywood film to date. The film’s strong performance is especially significant as it was released outside the usual holiday season.
This success highlights its broad appeal and positions it as a standout in Nollywood’s year-round releases, not just limited to December’s typically high-grossing blockbusters.
The movie’s journey to box office success has been marked by remarkable milestones. During its opening weekend, Queen Lateefah grossed ₦57 million, quickly building momentum.
Within just three weeks, it crossed the ₦200 million mark, and by mid-October, its total earnings had reached ₦216 million, underscoring its popularity and the strong audience response it has generated.
Distributed by Cinemax, Queen Lateefah tells the story of Lateefah Adeleke, a seemingly affluent 30-year-old businesswoman who boasts of a worldly, high-society lifestyle. Her facade unravels when she encounters Jide Rhodes, a businessman who uncovers her true background of poverty and humble beginnings. This plot twist adds depth to the character, presenting themes of deception, self-discovery, and social status, which resonate with audiences.
The film’s cast includes prominent Nollywood actors such as Kunle Remi, Femi Adebayo, Nancy Isime, Bimbo Manuel, and Elvina Ibru. Their performances contribute to the film’s strong appeal, while fresh faces like Enioluwa and Gbugbemi Ejeye add new energy to the project, helping Queen Lateefah stand out in a competitive industry with its dynamic ensemble cast.
Queen Lateefah’s success reflects Nollywood’s evolving landscape, where films are increasingly capable of drawing large audiences outside of traditional holiday periods. Its impressive box office performance reinforces the growing influence of Nollywood cinema and highlights the film’s engaging storyline and high production quality, factors that continue to attract both local and international viewers.
