From Lagos to Côte d’Ivoire, Burna Boy’s 3 Cold Dishes Opens to ₦24.6M
Burna Boy’s 3 Cold Dishes recorded ₦24.6 million in its opening weekend, immediately signalling that the film has grabbed attention. Beyond the numbers, the thriller is an ambitious statement about African storytelling, human trafficking, and revenge, set across Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Executive produced through his Spaceship Films banner, the movie tells the story of three women, Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle, who reunite two decades after surviving human trafficking to exact revenge on the men who exploited them. It’s a high-stakes, multi-country narrative that combines tense storytelling with the pull of pan-African cinema.
The Story Behind the Film
Directed by Nigerian filmmaker , known for Hakkunde and his music videos for Burna Boy, 3 Cold Dishes is split into three chapters and narrated by Mama Janice (Amelie Mbaye) and a journalist (Femi Jacobs). The framing device provides a compelling lens into the women’s past and present.
The narrative follows the three women from their challenging teenage years to adulthood. Esosa is taken from home by her uncle, Fatouma is offered a football career in Paris, and Giselle faces the complexities of a troubled family and spirituality. Each story reflects themes of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of justice.
The performances bring these experiences to life. Ruby Akubueze portrays young Esosa with intensity and emotion, capturing her fear and determination. , Fat Toure, and Maud Guerard carry the characters through adulthood, giving depth to the women’s journey. Among the male cast, Wale Ojo commands attention as Uncle Bankole, adding strength and presence to the story.
Read Also:
Style, Setting, and Cinematic Choices
3 Cold Dishes is shot in CinemaScope, a rarity for African films, and is presented in English and French (with subtitles), with a full French dub also available. Its reflects a high production value by African standards. Locations vary from Lagos’ urban grit to Côte d’Ivoire’s coastal vistas and Benin’s desert expanses, with carefully lit sequences, especially the brutal early days, creating some of the film’s most striking visuals.
Comments