Kunle Afolayan’s 2022 Netflix original film, Aníkúlápó, has returned with a sequel, now presented as a six-part series titled Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre. The narrative picks up from the conclusion of the original movie, centering on Saro (Kunle Remi) and his endeavors to attain his desires.
The storyline unfolds as Saro and his romantic interest, Arolake (Bimbo Ademoye), navigate a complex web of relationships, with Arolake being married to Alaafin of Oyo, Alaafin Ademuyiwa (Taiwo Hassan). Their affair leads to an attempt to elope from Oyo after being exposed.
Saro faces severe consequences when caught, enduring a near-fatal beating by the villagers. However, a twist occurs when the bird, Akala, responsible for transporting souls to the afterlife, arrives for Saro. Arolake intervenes, scaring away Akala and stealing his gourd, which holds his power.
With the stolen gourd, Saro gains the ability to resurrect the dead, accumulating immense wealth. However, this newfound prosperity fuels Saro’s greed, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
For those gearing up to watch the series on Netflix, released on March 1, 2024, here’s a recap of the pivotal moments from the film:
Akala: The film concludes with Akala furious over his missing gourd, despite finding Saro deceased. Arolake, having emptied the gourd, poses a continued threat to Akala and his powers, especially since Saro had already used it to disturb the balance between life and death.
Arolake: Disenchanted with Saro’s insatiable greed, Arolake takes matters into her own hands. She empties the gourd, leaving Saro helpless at the palace, having mastered the art of elopement. Alaafin Ademuyiwa, Arolake’s first husband, remains on their trail, seeking retribution for the betrayal.
Saro: The movie concludes with Saro’s demise. His avarice prompts him to demand a princess’s hand in marriage, promising to spare the life of her brother, the prince. Failing to fulfill his end of the bargain with the empty gourd, Saro faces the wrath of the king and the villagers. Left for dead outside the village, Akala retrieves his gourd and transports him to the afterlife.
