Hello, movie enthusiasts! Welcome back to the African Movie Database blog, where we spotlight the best in African cinema. Today, we're diving into one of the most buzzworthy upcoming releases: 3 Cold Dishes, a powerful thriller that's already making waves after its world premiere. Executive produced by Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy, this film tackles heavy themes with grit and style. Although the movie isn't out in theaters yet, mark your calendars for November 7, 2025. Its recent debut at London's Indigo at The O2 has everyone talking. Let's break it down.
The Plot: A Tale of Survival, Sisterhood, and Sweet Revenge.
Set across West Africa, 3 Cold Dishes follows the gripping story of three women, Esosa from Nigeria, Fatouma from Côte d'Ivoire, and Giselle from Benin, who were trafficked as teenagers. Two decades later, they reunite to orchestrate a bold, multi-country revenge against the men who shattered their lives. It's a story of resilience, empowerment, and justice, blending high-stakes action with emotional depth. The narrative shines a light on the often-overlooked issue of human trafficking within Africa, as highlighted by Burna Boy's mother, Bose Ogulu, during the premiere: "I think a lot of people are ignorant that there’s trafficking within Africa by Africans." This Pan-African production promises edge-of-your-seat thrills while delivering a poignant social message.
Star-Studded Cast and Talented Crew
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that brings authenticity and star power to the screen. Leading the charge is Nollywood favorite Osas Ighodaro, who not only stars but also serves as an executive producer. She's joined by Wale Ojo and Bambadjan Bamba, among others, in what appears to be a dynamic lineup representing West African talent.
Behind the camera, the movie is written by Tomi Adesina and directed by Oluseyi Asurf (also credited as Asurf Oluseyi), who co-wrote the script and produced the film. Burna Boy steps into filmmaking as an executive producer alongside his mother, Bose Ogulu, and Osas Ighodaro, marking his debut in the industry. Additional producers include Bambadjan Bamba as assistant producer and Martial Dansou as associate producer. The genres? A mix of adventure, crime, and thriller—perfect for fans of intense, culturally rooted stories.
Buzz from the World Premiere
The film had its world premiere on October 3, 2025, at London's Indigo at The O2, hosted by Burna Boy himself. The event was a star-studded affair, with attendees like comedian Shank Comics, who reunited with Burna Boy and declared him his "GOAT," and Congolese legend Awilo Longomba gracing the red carpet. Early reactions are glowing: One attendee called it "a beautiful and very important film," praising director Oluseyi Asurf and cinematographer Obiajulu Kc for their work. Social media is abuzz with clips from the Q&A and red carpet, with fans hyping it as "African action movie at its peak." Shank even flirted with Osas Ighodaro on stage, adding some lighthearted fun to the night
When and Where to Watch
While the full theatrical release is set to hit cinemas on November 7, 2025, in Nigeria, the UK, Ghana, and Liberia, additional screenings are on the horizon. Catch it at AFRIFF in Lagos on November 2-3, followed by the Lagos premiere on November 6. This staggered rollout is building massive anticipation. Don't miss out!
Why "3 Cold Dishes" Deserves Your Attention
In a landscape where African stories are finally getting global recognition, 3 Cold Dishes stands out for its raw portrayal of real issues through a revenge thriller lens. With Burna Boy's influence bringing music-world flair to cinema, and a cast that embodies Pan-African unity, this film could be a game-changer. It's not just entertainment; it's a call to awareness on human trafficking, wrapped in suspense and empowerment.
Stay tuned to AfricanMovieDB.com for updates, reviews, and more on African cinema. What are your thoughts on 3 Cold Dishes? Drop a review here, we'd love to hear if you're excited for this one!
Until next time, keep supporting African stories on the big screen.