Ori: The Rebirth’ Hits N97.8 Million in Opening Weekend 

Nigerian cinemas are buzzing again, and this time, it’s thanks to Ori: The Rebirth, a deeply spiritual, culturally rooted film that raked in a jaw-dropping ₦97.8 million during its opening weekend.

The film, which premiered on May 1, 2025, is the latest work from Nollywood veteran Muyiwa Ademola. In collaboration with Adekola Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, Ademola not only directed but also co-produced the project. 

It opened to strong numbers, pulling in ₦19.5 million on its first day alone, a signal of the momentum it was about to build.

By Sunday, May 4, the film had overtaken Sinners, a previously dominant box office title, grossing ₦39.3 million in just one day. While Sinners still held on to its spot as the overall weekend leader, Ori: The Rebirth emerged as a serious challenger.

What makes this performance even more impressive is the film’s language and theme. Delivered entirely in Yoruba, Ori: The Rebirth is a bold reimagining of Ademola’s 2004 classic, Ori, which remains a landmark in indigenous-language cinema. 

The new film builds on that legacy, using themes of destiny, sacrifice, and spirituality to tell a gripping tale rooted in Yoruba belief systems.

At the heart of the story is Bisade, whose mysterious death is orchestrated by a dangerous cult led by the powerful Yeye Fernandez. But the real tension unfolds through Temidun, a young woman prophesied to save a man marked for ritual death. 

The storyline weaves suspense, fate, and mysticism into a narrative that clearly resonated with audiences.

Ademola, who has been a major force in Yoruba cinema since the early 1990s, has described Ori: The Rebirth as a deeply personal project. With over ₦400 million reportedly invested in its production, he’s banking on the film’s emotional pull and cultural depth to carry it to profitability. 

“This story is for everyone who believes in destiny,” he recently said. “I know people will feel it in their hearts.”

What you should know about Muyiwa Ademola

Born in Abeokuta in 1971, Ademola was mentored by Yoruba cinema legends Charles Olumo and S.I. Ola. Over the years, he’s built an impressive filmography, featuring in and producing standout hits like Jagun Jagun. 

But Ori: The Rebirth feels like more than just another title, it’s a return to the story that launched him into the spotlight, and audiences are showing up in numbers.

With nearly ₦100 million already made in a single weekend, the film is now on track to become one of the highest-grossing local releases of 2025.