Ponzi is a 2021 Nigerian comedy film based on the victims of the 2016 MMM Ponzi scheme. It was written by Toluwani Obayan, produced by Vincent Okonkwo and directed by Kayode Kasum. It stars Jide Kosoko, Chinyere Wilfred, Timini Egbuson, Tope Tedela, Broda Shaggi and Mr Macaroni. It was released theatrically on 12 March 2021.[1]
| Ponzi | |
|---|---|
 Theatre poster | |
| Directed by | Kayode Kasum |
| Screenplay by | Toluwani Obayan |
| Produced by | Vincent Okonkwo |
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Uzoamaka Aniunoh |
Production company | VSL Media |
Release date |
|
Running time | 108 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
Abeke the omniscient narrator introduces the residents of a close. Chief Olaoba is a wealthy politician who neglects the needs of the community he represents. He however shows up occasionally to distribute money to his constituents. Bob returns from dispora and goes to the close and gains the trust of the occupants and convinces them to invest in a get-rich-quick scheme named Richvest. This leads to a series of unexpected events.[2]
Cast edit
- Jide Kosoko as Olaoba, Abeke's father
- Chinyere Wilfred as Mrs. Olaoba, Abeke's mother
- Mawuli Gavor as Rob, a returnee
- Timini Egbuson as Ikenna, a layabout who squats with his elder brother Uchenna.
- Mr Macaroni as Uchenna, a lesson teacher
- Immaculate Oko-Kasum as Zara, Uchenna's heavily pregnant wife
- Tope Tedela as Tafa, Zara's brother, a kebab seller who hopes to make it as a chef
- Broda Shaggi as Chudi, a struggling upcoming musician
- Amanda Dara as Oluchi
- Uzoamaka Aniunoh as Abeke
- Zubby Michael as Charles, a neighbourhood hustler and loan shark
- Eso Dike as Ikenna
- Caroline Igben as Nike
Production and release edit
The movie is based on the experiences of Nigerians during the 2016 MMM online scheme which promised 30% returns on investment. The scheme inadvertently crashed and put subscribers in distress. In an interview, the movie’s producer, said the project is aimed at sensitising Nigerians to avoid get-rich-quick schemes.[3] It was shot in Lagos but set in Ota, Ogun State.[2][4]
The movie voice technique was employed as Uzo Aniunoh was both an actress and a narrator. This technique has been used in movies like Fight Club and Memento.
Reception edit
In a review for Nigerian Entertainment Today, Jerry Chiemeke wrote "The only way for the audience to enjoy this film is to close their eyes to its technical flaws – and they are many. They will probably laugh (a lot), but in the end, a good film transcends giggles, and when it comes down to categorising Nollywood films, this will not be one of the exactly memorable ones." He rated the film a 6/10.[2]
Awards and nominations edit
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actor in A Comedy | Timini Egbuson | Pending | [5] |
References edit
- ^ BN, TV (2021-03-01). "Meet the Star Studded Cast of Kayode Kasum's Comedy Film "Ponzi" + Watch the Trailer". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ^ a b c Chiemeke, Jerry (2021-04-07). "Movie Review: Kayode Kasum's "Ponzi" Is Funny, But Flawed". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
- ^ Ojo, James (2021-03-09). "Kayode Kasum: People's experience with MMM inspired 'Ponzi'". The Cable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ^ "Kayode Kasum and Vincent Okonkwo's Duo Movie Collaboration – "PONZI"". ShockNG. 2021-02-01. Retrieved 2021-03-14.
- ^ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2022-03-26.