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| Image: Facebook |
Runtime: 2h 25m
Cast: Bimbo Ademoye, Ehis Perfect, Kunle Remi, Anthony Wooden, Osareme Inegbenegbor, and others
Platform: Bimbo Ademoye TV (YouTube)
The recently released Ruse 2 is one of those rare Nollywood films that pulls you in from its opening scenes and refuses to let go until the final frame. Directed with precision and carried by the stellar performances of Bimbo Ademoye and her co-stars, this two-hour, twenty-five-minute drama is both entertaining and deeply reflective of real-life struggles faced by young Nigerians.
From the outset, the film establishes a tone of relatability and emotional depth. The story of Mabel, whose phone buzzes constantly with small business orders, and her best friend Shalewa, who pushes her to stay disciplined and apply for a grant, feels both personal and familiar. These two characters, portrayed with warmth and conviction, anchor the story with their friendship and unwavering loyalty to each other.
Nostalgia And Relatability
Several scenes struck a chord, particularly Shalewa’s constant reminders to Mabel to complete her grant application. The scenario mirrored the reality of many young entrepreneurs who struggle with consistency and discipline while trying to balance personal and professional lives. Similarly, Shalewa’s relationship with Derrick highlighted the challenges of building a life with a partner still finding his feet as a startup owner. The moments of encouragement she offered him felt powerful and deeply moving.
What sets Ruse 2 apart is its honesty. Unlike certain films that portray young women as effortlessly thriving in luxurious settings, this story presents a raw, grounded reality. Shalewa and Mabel’s living conditions underscored what it means to start from scratch—a scenario countless viewers will relate to. Not everyone begins life in elite neighborhoods, and many will see themselves reflected in these characters, especially those who have struggled their way up without privilege.
The inclusion of details such as Mabel needing to register her business with FADCA added another layer of authenticity. It was such a subtle but effective reminder of the bureaucratic realities entrepreneurs face. I even found myself looking it up, which speaks to how well the story nudged the audience toward real-world reflection.
Unexpected Twists And Strong Lessons
The reappearance of Kabiru was one of the film’s strongest twists—unexpected but seamlessly woven into the story. Likewise, the layers built around Mabel’s love interest, Anthony, provided both drama and important lessons. His cunning manipulation to infiltrate her life mirrors the experiences of many women who have encountered men determined to exploit their ambition and hard work.
Mabel’s quick surrender to Anthony’s charm was frustrating, but realistic. The film uses her story to stress the importance of self-care and independence for young women. When you prioritize yourself and build stability, it becomes harder for opportunists to take advantage.
Anthony’s scheme highlighted a hard truth: some people will stop at nothing to claim what isn’t theirs, and women often bear the brunt of such persistence. The subplot involving Anthony’s daughter, her bullies, and his manager Omoye added further complexity, before culminating in Mabel’s emotional reunion with Ramot. The way the story threaded these various arcs together without losing coherence was masterful storytelling.
Friendship At The Core
At its heart, Ruse 2 is a celebration of friendship and sisterhood. Shalewa’s loyalty to Mabel carried the story’s emotional weight. She constantly pushed her friend, even when Mabel’s laziness in completing tasks like content creation or the grant application threatened to derail her progress. Her support was the balance Mabel needed, and it is this dynamic that made their on-screen bond so refreshing to watch.
The intentional relationship between Shalewa and Derrick also offered viewers a glimpse into what supportive, healthy love can look like, standing in contrast to the chaos Mabel endured with Anthony.
Final Thoughts
By the end, I was completely immersed in the world of Ruse 2. The film manages to balance drama, suspense, and life lessons without ever feeling preachy. Bimbo Ademoye’s performance, alongside a strong cast, brought every moment to life. The chemistry between Shalewa and Mabel was especially striking, and I’d love to see them continue as on-screen sisters in future projects.
If there’s one message to take away, it’s this: true friends support, not sabotage. Shalewa embodied that truth in every scene, reminding us of the value of loyalty in a world full of betrayal.
Ruse 2 is not just entertaining—it’s a mirror to real-life struggles, relationships, and the resilience of women building from the ground up.
Rating: (Well-crafted, authentic, and deeply engaging)
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