“Shina” is a gripping Nigerian crime thriller directed by Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen Lilian Ike-Okoro. The story follows Oluwashina Akanji (played by Timini Egbuson), a Lagos taxi driver who becomes entangled in a web of corruption and danger while trying to secure medical treatment for his ailing grandmother. Shina’s mission takes him deep into the criminal underworld, where he crosses paths with dangerous individuals, including the ruthless Dr. Bakare (Segun Arinze) and the mysterious BB (Akin Lewis).
As Shina’s journey unfolds, he encounters both allies and adversaries, including Dr. Morenike (Linda Ejiofor), a compassionate doctor who offers unexpected help, and his loyal friend Ugo (Tope Tedela), alongside his brother-like figure AY (Shawn Faqua). The complex relationships Shina forms and the difficult choices he must make highlight themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal.
The film also stars Idowu Philips as Shina’s grandmother, Mama, whose illness serves as the driving force behind the plot, and Kelechi Udegbe as Jimoh, a secondary character who plays a pivotal role in Shina’s battle for survival.
“Shina” has received praise for its strong performances, particularly from Timini Egbuson, who brings depth to the lead character. However, the film has garnered mixed reviews regarding its pacing and the development of side characters, with some critics noting that certain storylines lacked sufficient depth.
Despite this, the film has been lauded for its intense action sequences and exploration of the socio-political landscape of Lagos.
