Tarella: Princess of The Nile was released on 7th February 2025 and is currently showing in the theatres. Directed by Kayode Kasum and Lolo Eremie, this Nollywood adaptation of Cinderella offers an ambitious African reimagining of a classical fairy tale.
The Premise
Set in the mythical West African kingdom of Akkaya, Tarella: Princess of the Nile follows Tarella Daerego (Okawa Shaznay), an orphan mistreated by her stepfamily yet destined for greatness.
Like the classic Cinderella, she has a wicked stepmother who forbids her from attending a royal event. A royal event where Prince Nosa (Timini Egbuson) is under pressure choose a bride. However, with a few magical twists and cultural reimaginings, the story takes on a distinctly African perspective.
When Tarella defies the odds and attends the event, she captivates the prince but disappears, leaving behind a unique ankle bracelet. This sparks a kingdom-wide search to uncover her identity and true place in the world.
The film also weaves in an ancient Egyptian connection, linking Tarella to Rhodopis—the historical figure believed to have inspired the Cinderella tale. This adds another layer to its fusion of myth and folklore.
Cast and Performances
Okawa Shaznay brings an undeniable grace to the role of Tarella. However, her performance lacks the emotional weight needed to truly connect with the audience. Her journey, while visually engaging, falls short of being deeply moving.
Timini Egbuson certainly looks the part of Prince Nosa, with his regal presence and charm. However, his performance lacks the charisma that would make him a truly compelling lead.
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), on the other hand, is a standout as King Ohen. His commanding presence and refined portrayal bring wisdom and authority to the role, grounding the story with authenticity.
Elvina Ibru’s take on Señora, the wicked stepmother, leans toward theatrical exaggeration. Her performance lacks the menace to be a truly formidable villain.
Nengi Hampson and Onyinye Ezekwe bring plenty of energy as the stepsisters, but their performances lean too heavily into exaggeration, making the characters feel more comical than truly menacing.
Gideon Okeke’s portrayal of the Mysterious Butcher struggles under the weight of a forced accent, which distracts from the character’s intended charm.
Ellyssa Nwator, the third stepsister feels like an afterthought, a character whose presence adds little to the narrative, leaving audiences wondering about her role in the bigger picture.
What I liked About the Movie
Tarella takes a story we all know and breathes fresh life into it, grounding it in the vibrant culture of Akkaya. By weaving in African mythology, the film doesn’t just retell Cinderella—it makes it feel like it belongs to a different, richer world.
The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s alive with tradition, folklore, and a sense of history that makes everything feel more immersive, more magical, and yet deeply real.
One of the most captivating choices the film makes is its use of animation to tell the Egyptian backstory. This blends history with fantasy in a way that keeps you engaged, making the film feel like more than just a fairy tale.
But at the heart of it all is Tarella herself, a heroine who refuses to be just another damsel in distress. In a world where princesses are so often passive, Tarella stands out because she takes control of her own story. And that’s what makes her journey not just familiar, but powerful.
What Did not Work!
One of Tarella’s biggest struggles is its world-building. Akkaya, the fictional kingdom, never quite finds its footing—it’s a patchwork of cultures and aesthetics that don’t blend seamlessly.
It feels like a mix of Coming to America and Black Panther but lacks the coherence of both.
The costumes, set design, and even dialogue seem to be reaching for grandeur but end up feeling confused. If this world were meant to fit into a specific historical era, it’s nearly impossible to say which one. It exists in a limbo of different influences that don’t quite gel.
The film’s use of animation, intended to elevate the Egyptian mythological backstory, also feels disconnected.
The animated scenes feel out of place, like they belong in a different film. Instead of enhancing the story, they create a distracting contrast that takes the audience out of the experience.
This lack of cohesion extends to the performances. The chemistry between Tarella and Prince Nosa, for instance, never builds the kind of emotional tension needed to make their romance compelling.
Without that spark, their love story unfolds without urgency or depth, making it difficult for the audience to root for them.
Even the film’s most dramatic moments struggle to land. Conflicts never feel urgent, stakes remain low, and the climax lacks the emotional weight necessary to leave a lasting impact. As a result, Tarella moves along but never quite soars, leaving the audience watching rather than feeling.
Final Thoughts on Tarella: Princess of the Nile
Tarella: Princess of the Nile is a bold attempt at blending African mythology with a classic fairy tale, showcasing Nollywood’s growing ambition in storytelling. However, inconsistent world-building, weak emotional depth, and underdeveloped characters hold it back. While visually appealing and culturally significant, it never quite delivers on its promise. Nollywood is making commendable strides, but we may have to wait for someone else to really get it right.
How I Would Rate This Movie
I would rate this movie 3/5
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