Call of My Life, a Nigerian romantic comedy directed by Tunde Olaoye, offers a refreshing take on love and destiny in Lagos, anchored by a standout performance from Uzoamaka Aniunoh. However, the film's uneven pacing and reliance on genre clichés prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Plot and Premise
The story follows Zara (Aniunoh), a pragmatic radio producer who doesn't believe in love until a mysterious caller challenges her worldview during her late-night show. The caller, a man named Tobi (played by Damilare Kuku), claims they are soulmates destined to meet. What begins as a skeptical dismissal turns into a journey of self-discovery and romance.
The film opens with Zara navigating the chaos of Lagos traffic, immediately establishing the city as a character in itself. The radio station setting provides a vibrant backdrop, with lively debates and caller interactions that showcase Nollywood's improving production values.
Performance and Direction
Aniunoh delivers a compelling performance, bringing depth to Zara's transformation from cynic to believer. Her comedic timing is sharp, and her emotional range carries the film through its weaker moments. Kuku's Tobi is charming but underdeveloped, serving more as a catalyst than a fully realized character.
Director Tunde Olaoye, known for his work in Nigerian television, makes his feature debut with a clear visual style, using warm tones and dynamic camera movements to capture Lagos's energy. However, the pacing drags in the second act, with repetitive scenes of Zara at work and at home that slow the narrative momentum.
Themes and Cultural Context
Call of My Life explores themes of fate, modern love, and the tension between tradition and independence. Zara's journey reflects broader conversations in Nigerian society about arranged marriages versus personal choice. The film subtly critiques the pressure on single women to settle down, a topic that resonates with many viewers.
According to film critic Adenike Adebayo, "The film succeeds in portraying a relatable protagonist, but it doesn't fully commit to its more interesting ideas about destiny and autonomy." The script, written by Olaoye and Bola Ogun, occasionally leans into predictable romcom beats, including a misunderstanding that threatens the budding relationship.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Emmanuel Ojeikere captures Lagos's vibrant street life, from bustling markets to serene waterfronts. The soundtrack blends Afrobeats and soulful ballads, enhancing key emotional moments. However, some scenes suffer from inconsistent sound mixing, with dialogue occasionally drowned out by background noise.
At 118 minutes, the film feels overlong. A tighter edit could have sharpened the comedy and heightened the romantic tension. The third act, while satisfying, relies on a deus ex machina that undermines the story's grounded premise.
Reception and Impact
Call of My Life premiered at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November 2025 and received a mixed response. Audiences praised Aniunoh's performance and the film's positive representation of Nigerian women, while critics noted its derivative structure. The film grossed an estimated ₦45 million in its opening weekend in Nigeria, a solid but unspectacular result for a Nollywood romcom.
In comparison to recent Nollywood hits like The Wait and Something Like Gold, Call of My Life feels less innovative but more accessible to mainstream audiences. It marks a step forward for Olaoye, who shows promise as a director capable of balancing commercial appeal with artistic ambition.
Conclusion
Call of My Life is an enjoyable but imperfect romcom that benefits greatly from Uzoamaka Aniunoh's magnetic presence. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, it offers enough charm and cultural specificity to entertain fans of Nollywood and romantic comedies alike. For those seeking a light-hearted escape with a Nigerian twist, this film delivers.
