3.0

The historical-epic/ fantasy genre is one that has seen a resurgence in the industry lately, following the groundbreaking successes of both Anikulapo, and Ageshinkole (King Of Thieves) in 2022. A notable amount of movies have tried to recapture the artistic and commercial success of those movies, but the results have been mixed at best. Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds typifies that sentiment.

It follows the story of an ancient race of mythical creatures that can alternate between animal and human forms. The movie combines this plot point with that of a king who is in desperate need of an heir, otherwise, he abdicates his throne. The result is hit and miss as, while the movie captivates with its technical brilliance-delivering stunning visuals with a beautiful blend of VFX and practical effects, and an immersive sound design, the story leaves much to be desired. Some of the characters feel disposable and sadly underdeveloped, failing to create a lasting connection, and instead serving as mere plot devices for the story. Themes of love, betrayal, falsehood, and envy are touched upon but lack emotional depth, feeling more like plot devices than genuine story elements. While the movie is a feast for the eyes, and the acting performances are very strong, its half-baked storytelling and shallow character arcs are notable shortcomings that deflate its overall quality.