Nollywood drops another banger with "Monkey Business," the 2025 full movie scorching Adakarl TV YouTube (2:15:00 runtime, released Nov 27). Picture broke lovers ditching 50k salaries for prophetic cons—Chidi Dike as reluctant "Prophet David," Ada Karl as the brainy schemer, plus Emmanuella Iloba and Ine Aju fueling betrayals. From job rants to trance prophecies, this satire roasts fake pastors and Naija grind. Rated 8.5/10 for sharp Pidgin laughs and love-greed twists—pure viral fire!
The Hook: When Poverty Meets a Performance
The film opens not with a bang, but with a whimper—the sound of a 50,000 naira salary offer. We meet Tulu and Inami, a couple drowning in the reality of Lagos' economic squeeze. Tulu is an overqualified assistant subjected to the verbal lashings of corporate toxicity, while Inami is the "brilliant but broke" partner watching their luxury dreams evaporate.
The inciting incident occurs when they witness a former classmate—once a struggling student—reemerge as a wealthy celebrity prophet. It’s a lightbulb moment that is as terrifying as it is brilliant: If God won’t give us a miracle, we will manufacture one.
The Transformation: From Desperate Lovers to Divine Con Artists
The first hour of the film is a masterclass in the "fake it till you make it" trope. Inami transforms into Prophet David, a man of "heavy anointing" and "biblical names".
Scene Breakdown: The Informant Strategy
The brilliance of their scam lies in Tulu’s role as the "inside man." Working as a manager for the wealthy, high-powered Mimi, Tulu mines personal data like a digital spy. She discovers Mimi’s deepest insecurities: her age, her single status, and her desperate desire for a family.
When Mimi visits Prophet David, the "prophetic" accuracy isn’t divine—it’s a data breach. The scene where Inami "sees" Mimi's marital struggles is a chilling display of dramatic irony. We, the audience, are complicit in the lie, watching a vulnerable woman find hope in a script written by her own employee.
The Religious Critique: "The Spirit Never Lies"
One of the film's strongest subheadings is its unapologetic critique of religious commercialization. The recurring mantra—"The Spirit of the Lord never lies"—is used as a weapon to "provoke" seeds of millions of naira.
The film suggests that in a society where the government and economy have failed, the "Prophet" becomes the ultimate venture capitalist. Inami and Tulu aren't just stealing money; they are selling a commodity more valuable than gold: Certainty.
Character Study: The Three Faces of Inami
The actor playing Inami delivers a nuanced performance that anchors the film’s midsection. He plays three distinct roles:
Inami: The loving, somewhat pressured boyfriend.
Prophet David: The booming, mystical spiritual leader.
Jason: The "perfect" romantic suitor.
The transition to Jason—the man who "accidentally" saves Mimi when her car breaks down—is where the film shifts from a religious scam to a psychological thriller. Inami is no longer just performing behind a pulpit; he is performing in Mimi’s bed, in her heart, and in her home.
Tulu: The Architect of Her Own Heartbreak
Tulu is arguably the most complex character. She is the mastermind who pushes Inami into Mimi’s arms, believing their love is strong enough to withstand the "act."
However, as the "Jason" persona takes over, we see Tulu’s slow-motion mental breakdown. The scene where she watches Inami kiss Mimi is a turning point. She wanted the "bag," but she didn't realize that to get Mimi’s millions, Inami had to give Mimi his soul. The film brilliantly captures the "Sunk Cost Fallacy"—they have lied too much to stop, but the truth is costing them their relationship.
The Narrative Pivot: The 250 Million Naira App
As we head into the final act, the stakes move from "small-time" seeds to corporate fraud. Inami, posing as Jason, convinces Mimi to "invest" 250 million naira into a fake tech application.
This is where the film’s pacing accelerates. The "Secret Wedding" plot—justified by a fake prophecy about a family curse—is a genius narrative device. It keeps the scam in the dark, preventing Mimi’s family (specifically her niece Amanda) from seeing Jason and recognizing him.
The Final Reckoning: A Masterclass in Karma
The climax of Monkey Business is a masterclass in tension. The "Secret Wedding" becomes the stage for the ultimate reveal.
The Scene that Broke the Internet
When a local hairstylist accidentally reveals Jason’s true identity at his house, the house of cards collapses. The final confrontation at the wedding is cathartic. Mimi doesn't just cry; she calculates. The moment she calls the police and reveals that she has already secured the "investments" back into her name is a win for every viewer who has ever been cheated.
The ending is a stark departure from Nollywood's "village square" endings. It is a modern, legal, and financial execution. Mimi takes over everything they bought with her money, proving that while the "Spirit" might not lie, the bank statement always tells the truth.
Technical Verdict: 4K Grandeur and Scripting
Visually, the film is stunning. The 4K cinematography highlights the contrast between the cramped, dusty apartments of the "poverty era" and the sterile, cold luxury of Mimi’s mansion. The dialogue, while sometimes heavy on the "Christianese" for the prophetic scenes, feels sharp and modern.
Pacing Note: At over two hours, the middle section where Inami dates Mimi feels slightly elongated, but it serves to build the emotional stakes necessary for the final betrayal.
My Thoughts & Rating
Monkey Business is a mirror held up to a society obsessed with results over process. It asks a haunting question: How much of yourself are you willing to delete to become "somebody"?
Plot: 4.5/5
Acting: 4/5
Production: 4/5
Moral Impact: 5/5
The Bottom Line: Monkey Business is a gripping, high-stakes cautionary tale that confirms ADAKARL TV’s status as a powerhouse of modern African storytelling. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a thriller where the villain is not a ghost, but the greed inside us all.
Watch It Now!
Ready to see Prophet David’s fall from grace for yourself? Grab your popcorn and witness the ultimate Nollywood betrayal.
Watch "MONKEY BUSINESS" on YouTube Here
Did the ending satisfy you? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to share this review with your movie-loving squad.
By Chika Eze, NollywoodTimes.com - Dec 19, 2025
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