Watch Mokalik

Mokalik (Mechanic) is a Nigerian movie that was released in 2019. It revolves around the journey of an 11-year-old boy named Ponmile (played by Tooni Afolayan) who is sent to work as an apprentice in his uncle's mechanic workshop for a day. He takes a break from school to participate in this tradition, hoping to learn different skills and to experience what it is like to work in a real job. The movie shows the life of the mechanics in the workshop and how they interact with each other, their customers, and the community.

The story unfolds amidst the hustle and bustle of a local mechanic workshop with diverse clients, who come from all walks of life. The atmosphere is always lively and noisy, filled with the sounds of the generator, the banging and clanging of car parts, and the chatters of the workers. The workers are skilled mechanics who work under the supervision of the boss, Ayomide (played by Femi Adebayo).

Ponmile, being a curious and observant child, sees everything that is happening in and around the workshop. His journey is a fascinating one, as he learns about different challenges that the people in the workshop face, such as the corrupt police officers who always come to extort money from Ayomide, and different clients who need their cars repaired for various reasons. The movie shows the talented workers in the workshop in action, working on different cars and fixing different problems.

Ponmile also meets some interesting characters. One of them is Simi (played by Simi Ogunleye), a young lady who runs a canteen by the side of the workshop where the mechanics go for food and drinks. She is a free spirit who sings and dances while she cooks. Ponmile develops a crush on her, but she tells him that she is engaged to be married. Nevertheless, they develop a friendship that helps him to learn more about life.

The movie has a strong message, which is the importance of education, in life. The message is delivered through a speech that Ayomide gives to Ponmile near the end of the movie. He tells him that though, it is significant to have a trade than to stay idle, it is essential to go to school and have a proper education. An education can open up opportunities and options in life that are not available to those who are uneducated.

The movie was written and directed by Kunle Afolayan, who is a notable figure in the Nigerian film industry. He drew inspiration from real-life experiences of his younger brother who worked as an apprentice in a mechanic workshop. The film was shot mostly in Lagos, and the cinematography is impressive, capturing the essence and beauty of the city.

Mokalik (Mechanic) is a family-friendly movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It shows how, no matter how different our lives may seem, we are all connected to each other in some way. The movie is an excellent representation of Nigeria and how the people try their best to make a living in the face of different challenges.

In conclusion, Mokalik (Mechanic) is an enjoyable movie that explores the beauty and complexity of working-class people in Nigeria. It is a must-see for anyone that wants to experience the culture of the people, the city, and the love that keeps them moving despite their challenging lives. The movie is well-scripted, well-acted, and well-directed. It is an excellent example of how the Nigerian film industry has grown and has become more diverse in its storytelling.