Failure Wasn’t an Option - Uzor Arukwe Opens Up About the Grueling Road to Becoming Akinbode in Colours of Fire

As the highly anticipated epic Colours of Fire hits cinemas today, leading man Uzor Arukwe has opened up about the personal and professional transformation he underwent to bring the character of Akinbode to life.

​Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, the film arrives with high expectations, but for Arukwe, the project represents more than just a box-office release, it marks a significant turning point in his career.

​BREAKING THE "ODOGWU" MOLD

​For a while, Arukwe has been a staple in Nollywood, often cast in "Odogwu" (wealthy Igbo businessman) roles. However, he revealed that accepting the role of Akinbode required him to walk away from those familiar stereotypes.

According to the actor, this role demanded a level of vulnerability and physical intensity he hadn't explored before. It also marked his first time leading a Yoruba epic, a challenge he embraced by undergoing rigorous night rehearsals for both language and fight choreography.

​"Failure wasn’t an option," Arukwe stated. "This project was going to be the true test of my versatility as an actor, so I gave it my all and focused on unleashing the beast in me."

A WARRIOR WITH A MISSION

​In the film, Uzor Arukwe portrays one of the strongest warriors in his clan. He describes Akinbode as a "good man" deeply committed to the progress of his people, aiming to improve their economy and social standing. However, the narrative takes a sharp turn when a major "clog" interrupts his destiny, leading to the intense plot twists that define the movie.

​Arukwe admitted that he "emptied himself" into the character, but even his own preparation didn't prepare him for the final result. After viewing the film at the premiere, the actor described the experience as "magic," expressing deep pride in the finished product.

​A NEW STANDARD FOR NIGERIAN CINEMA

Beyond his personal performance, Arukwe is positioning Colours of Fire as a significant achievement for the Nigerian film industry. He compared the film’s quality to the global success of Afrobeats, suggesting that this project serves as proof of the world-class talent within Nigeria.

​He praised Niyi Akinmolayan for creating a "bold and timeless" piece of work that he believes will carve a permanent place in the history of Nollywood.

​NATIONAL RELEASE

Colours of Fire is now showing in cinemas nationwide as of December 24th, 2025. The film is being presented not just as a movie, but as a cultural "movement" and an experience that invites the audience to see a different side of one of Nigeria’s most prominent leading men.