Nollywood is making significant strides on the global stage with its latest cinematic triumph, Tòkunbò, helmed by the distinguished actor-turned-director Ramsey Nouah.

This film has catapulted into Netflix’s Top 5 movies across 183 countries, seizing the attention of international audiences.

The film’s impressive performance includes top rankings in key markets such as Argentina and Brazil, reinforcing Nollywood’s expanding influence in the global entertainment industry, as reported by Flix Patrol, a platform that provides VOD charts and streaming ratings worldwide.

Debuting on August 23, 2024, Tòkunbò is a production of Chris Odeh and features a stellar cast including Gideon Okeke, Chidi Mokeme, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, and Nobert Young.

Despite receiving a below-average rating on IMDb, the film has managed to engage viewers worldwide, demonstrating that audience appeal does not always align with critical reviews. Classified as a crime thriller, Tòkunbò is Ramsey Nouah’s third directorial venture in recent years, showcasing his successful transition from acting to directing.

The plot of Tòkunbò revolves around an ex-car smuggler who is entangled in a perilous mission: he must deliver a government official’s daughter to her captors within three hours or face dire repercussions for his family. This intense storyline has struck a chord with viewers, fueling the film’s rapid ascent on Netflix.

At the film’s premiere, producer Chris Odeh elaborated on the movie’s title, Tòkunbò, which alludes to the practice of smuggling used cars into Nigeria. The title also bears symbolic significance, echoing the director’s middle name, Ramsey Tokumbo-Nouah. Odeh disclosed that the production budget surpassed $200,000, highlighting the project’s ambition and scale despite the logistical hurdles encountered during filming.

Nollywood, recognized as one of the largest film industries in the world, continues to make significant inroads into international markets. Genres such as crime, drama, and thrillers have wide-ranging appeal and have played a key role in this global penetration.

Ramsey Nouah is a celebrated figure in Nigerian cinema with a prolific career spanning numerous films and television shows. He achieved widespread recognition in 2010 when he won the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in The Figurine. His extensive filmography includes noteworthy titles such as End of the Wicked, Battle of Love, Power of Love, Blood Sisters, and Merry Men, each contributing to his standing as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and esteemed talents.