Suky is a 2025 Nollywood action-drama written by Isaac O Ayodeji and directed by Ola Cardoso. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and rated 18+. The film is produced by Nemsia Studios, known for hits like Breath of Life, which dominated the 2024 AMVCA.
Suky follows the gripping story of Oluwasukanmi (Suky) as he battles through harsh circumstances to seek vengeance against a past nemesis, turning him into Nollywood’s ultimate underground Gladiator.
The Premise
Suky, a young boy, looks up to his father, Adigun, a respected boxer who teaches not just boxing, but discipline and honour to the men in his community who enrol to his gym. But behind closed doors, a ruthless gang led by the merciless Sledgehammer forces Adigun to throw fights.
Suky discovers the truth by accident and confronts his father, prompting Adigun to defy the gang and win a rigged fight. His decision comes at a brutal cost—one that changes Suky’s life forever.
Orphaned and grieving, Suky is taken in by his uncle, a principled lawyer determined to bring the gang to justice. Under his uncle’s roof, Suky begins rigorous training, preparing for the day he can avenge his father. Years pass, and the uncle remains relentless in his pursuit of the gang. But one fateful morning, Suky wakes up to find his uncle murdered—and standing over his uncle’s pregnant wife is none other than Sledgehammer. The gang overpowers Suky, leaving him unconscious, and frames him for the murder.
Suky is sent to a high-security prison, a hellish place run by the sadistic Marshal, a warden who controls a brutal underground fight club known as Dambe. Here, prisoners are forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of wealthy politicians and crime bosses. The corrupt senator who oversees the prison orders Marshal to eliminate Suky, fearing he might expose the gang’s crimes. But when Suky kills three of the guards in self-defence, Marshal sees his potential and decides to keep him alive to fight.
Meanwhile, Marshal holds Dr. Simisola, the prison’s medical officer, captive, abusing her and refusing to let her go. Suky sees her suffering and vows to protect her.
His ultimate test comes when he is set to fight Sledgehammer, the man who destroyed his family. Marshal, desperate for power, orders Suky to throw his fight against Sledgehammer, threatening to kill Dr. Simisola if he refuses.
With Simisola’s life on the line, Suky risks everything, turning against Marshal’s orders and exposing him. As Simisola promises to clear his name, Suky stands tall—not just a fighter, but a man reclaiming his destiny.
Cast and Performances
James Damilare Solomon takes on the older Suky in both his first lead role and his debut film performance. Despite the challenge, he delivers a commendable portrayal, fully embracing Suky’s evolution from a grieving son to a hardened warrior. His fight sequences are intense and well-executed, blending raw physicality with emotional depth. Solomon puts in the work, making his action scenes feel authentic and his emotional beats resonate.
Tobi Bakare steps into the role of Adigun, Suky’s father—a once-proud boxer forced into throwing fights to survive. Known for more dominant roles, Bakare takes a more restrained approach here, playing a father figure with quiet regret. While his performance is strong, his portrayal as a father doesn’t entirely land, often feeling more like an older brother than a guiding parental figure.
Olarotimi Fakunle shines as Marshal, delivering one of the film’s most gripping performances. He seamlessly transitions between a ruthless prison ruler and a terrified, scheming subordinate, always nursing his sinister ambitions beneath the surface.
Femi Adebayo embodies the corrupt Senator, the true puppet master behind the prison’s underground fight club. His presence is commanding, exuding power and menace in every scene.
Itele D Icon plays Ijaya, a feared prison leader who agrees to train Suky. The film presents Ijaya as legendary but never fully explains why, leaving his backstory underdeveloped. Itele delivers a solid performance, but the character lacks depth.
Bimbo Ademoye takes on the role of Dr. Simisola, a prison doctor held hostage and forced to provide medical services. She plays the film’s damsel in distress, but the story limits her character to victimhood instead of adding depth.
Philip Asaya portrays Sledgehammer, the brutal gang leader and Suky’s primary nemesis. His menacing presence adds tension, making him a formidable opponent in both the ring and the overarching narrative.
What I liked
Nollywood continues to push boundaries, stepping away from the usual formula to tell more unconventional stories. This film, while reminiscent of Gladiator, brings a distinct Nigerian/African perspective that sets it apart. The plot is engaging, and the storytelling is commendable, capturing themes of survival, corruption, and resilience in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
One of the standout aspects is the cinematography. The shot angles are impressive, showcasing the growing sophistication and professionalism in Nollywood directing. There’s a clear effort to elevate the visual storytelling, making each scene more immersive and impactful.
The casting of the lead character impresses me. It’s always refreshing to see new talent given a chance, and this film proves that there’s an abundance of skilled actors waiting for their moment. The film executes the fight sequences with real intent and energy, overcoming a common challenge in Nollywood.hile not perfect, they are a step in the right direction, bringing more believability and intensity to the action.
What Didn’t Work
Some characters, like Ijaya, suffered from a lack of depth. The film positions him as a legendary fighter within the prison but never really explains why. What makes him so feared? How did he earn his reputation? Aside from analyzing fights, he lacks a clear backstory, making the audience question why he is the one training Suky.
The structure of the prison itself is equally puzzling. Is it privately owned? How does Marshal have the unchecked power to execute prisoners as if he were judge, jury, and executioner? And when he’s finally out of the picture, Ijaya seemingly takes over. This transition feels abrupt and unrealistic.
Marshal’s character also struggles with inconsistency. One moment, he’s a gun-wielding tyrant, the next, he’s brooding with a cigar, and then he’s playfully petting a cat. These shifts make it difficult to pin down exactly what kind of villain he is.
The fight club, a key element of the film, also lacks depth. How does it generate profit? Are the fights part of a structured tournament, or do organizers throw them together haphazardly? Suky’s journey through these fights feels ambiguous, leaving the audience without a clear sense of stakes or progression.
Final Thoughts
Suky is a bold Nollywood action-drama with intense fight sequences, strong cinematography, and solid performances, particularly from James Damilare Solomon. However, it struggles with character depth, world-building, and inconsistent villains. Despite its flaws, it’s a promising step forward for Nollywood’s action genre, showcasing growth and ambition.
Rating
I’ll give Suky a 3.5/5
¨Are you not entertained?!¨ Would you like to see more Nollywood films explore action-packed, high-stakes stories like Suky, or do you prefer the industry’s traditional storytelling styles? Let us know in the comments.
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