In February, writer and director Cheta Chukwu announced that he was looking to make an “authentically youthful and urban Nigerian film with a global appeal.” The result, as you have guessed, is his forthcoming effervescent comedy PayDay. Deep in its press cycle (including an early badly Photoshopped film poster), PayDay had been slated for an April cinema release.
PayDay follows the story of two best friends and flatmates Paul (Baaj Adebule) and Ortega (Ebiye Victor) who, just before they are about to renew their yearly rent, their landlord dies suddenly and seemingly without any heir apparent. Paul and Ortega seize the opportunity to celebrate this unexpected goodluck by going on an expensive night-out.
The following morning, the landlord’s daughter (Segilola Ogidan) turns up and gives the men a 24-hour notice to pay up or be evicted. They embark on an overnight scheme to recover the rent, leading to a dangerous encounter with an eccentric drug baron (Frank Adekunle Macaulay), a desperate robbery attempt, a gambling adventure and an ego war with the neighborhood bully Orlando (Mawuli Favor). All the while hounded by Ngozi (Bisola Aiyeola), the neighborhood gossip who just wants a piece of the action.
Also starring Zack Orji and Meg Otanwa, PayDay will now premiere in cinemas June 13. So save the date.
