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Watching Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story in the cinema was an unexpectedly thrilling experience. Despite being a low-budget production, the film manages to captivate audiences with its storytelling, fresh cast, and authentic portrayal of campus life in Port Harcourt. I highly recommend it to Nollywood fans—you won’t regret it.
A Story of Love, Chaos, and Campus Life
The film follows Idara, popularly known as Dara, a young TikTok dancer who has just gained admission to a university in Port Harcourt. From his very first steps in the city, Dara faces chaos. He encounters bullying by cultists at nearly every turn, complicating his pursuit of happiness. Just when he thinks he has found love and some peace, the story takes a dramatic and unforeseen turn, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Fresh Cast That Brings Characters to Life
One of the most impressive aspects of Dara is its cast. With the exception of legendary actress Tina Mba, the actors are new faces in Nollywood. Emmanuel Bless Smile Edi plays Dara, Tomi Ojo portrays Sophie, Raymond Umenze is Agama, and Riyo David takes on the role of Chuks. This relatively unknown cast allows viewers to see the characters instead of being distracted by star power—a refreshing departure from films dominated by big names like Jim Iyke.
Agama, the feared cult leader played by Raymond Umenze, stands out as the star of the movie. His imposing presence is natural, not forced, and his introduction immediately commands attention. Agama’s character reminded me of Kanan Stark, 50 Cent’s role in Power, blending raw toughness with unexpected emotional depth—particularly in scenes where he is moved by his mother’s struggle to afford her brain surgery. The performance is so compelling that I had to Google the actor’s name afterward, convinced he has a bright future ahead.
Dara: The Lead Role That Fits Perfectly
The acting of Emmanuel Bless Smile Edi as Dara is subtle yet fitting for the character. While Dara sometimes appears timid, particularly around his love interest Sophie, this restraint is believable given the danger posed by cultists vying for Sophie’s attention. The nuanced performance reflects a young man navigating love and survival in a hostile environment.
Tina Mba’s performance, though limited in screen time, is legendary. Portraying a woman battered by her drunkard husband, her scenes with Agama are emotionally resonant. Their interactions capture the depth of motherly love—the ability to soothe, guide, and elicit moments of joy even amid adversity.
Drama, Slang, and Authenticity in Port Harcourt
Dara excels in its portrayal of campus secret cultism, using slang, mannerisms, and staged violence to immerse viewers in its world. The film also offers a vivid aerial view of Port Harcourt, giving the city itself a cinematic presence. The makeup, particularly Agama’s facial scar, is impressively convincing and adds to the realism.
Low-Budget Limitations, But a Strong Story
Despite its strengths, the film’s low-budget nature is evident in certain scenes. For example, during a shootout involving a US returnee, the walls remain untouched despite numerous bullets—a small oversight that slightly pulls viewers out of the action. Yet, these minor technical flaws do not diminish the film’s compelling plot, carefully crafted soundtrack, and outstanding acting.
Final Verdict
Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story is a cinematic experience that proves low-budget films can be highly engaging. Its combination of fresh talent, gripping storytelling, and authentic portrayal of life in Port Harcourt earns it a solid 8/10. For anyone who loves Nollywood drama with depth, intensity, and emotion, Dara is a must-watch.
Watch trailer below…
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