From the moment the first teaser dropped, 3 Cold Dishes signalled something different in African cinema. With an opening weekend gross of ₦24.6 million in Nigeria alone, the film is capturing attention not just for the numbers, but for the ambition behind it.

The story follows three women, Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle, who survive human trafficking as teenagers, then reunite many years later to confront their past and the powerful men who exploited them.

The film was directed by Asurf Oluseyi and executive produced by Burna Boy (real name Damini Ogulu), Osas Ighodaro, and Bose Ogulu.

On the cast front, some of the confirmed actors include Osas Ighodaro, Maud Guerard, Fat Touré, Ruby Akubueze, Wale Ojo, and several Ivorian and Senegalese actors, creating a truly pan‑African ensemble.

The world premiere took place at Indigo at The O2 in London, and the red‑carpet event drew a full house of 1,757 guests. The release schedule shows the film arriving in Nigeria on 7 November 2025, and in Francophone and other regions shortly after.

For a film rooted in a serious subject, trafficking, survival, and revenge, the box‑office success in its opening weekend underscores growing demand for bold African stories made with scale. The mix of languages (English, French, and local languages), locations across Nigeria, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, and a high‑profile producer all add to its significance.

In essence, 3 Cold Dishes isn’t just another Nollywood release. It signals that African filmmakers are pushing boundaries in terms of scale, narrative ambition, and cross‑border collaboration. With the numbers, production value, and cast backing it, it’s one to watch.