Nollywood actress Omowunmi Dada has revealed that she landed the lead role in the newly released film Cordelia without going through an audition, thanks to the confidence veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani placed in her talent.
The 35-year-old actress made the revelation in an emotional Instagram post on Monday, where she shared a heartfelt message she received from Kelani, popularly known as TK. In the message, the legendary director commended her for delivering a powerful performance in the titular role.
“Dear Omowunmi, thank you for embodying Cordelia with such grace, depth, and strength… You’re not just our Cordelia on screen, you’re her in spirit,” TK wrote.
In response, Omowunmi referred to the acclaimed director as “Baba mii”, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity and recognition. She described the experience of playing Cordelia under TK’s direction as a career-defining honor.
The actress reflected on her earlier work with Kelani on the film Ayinla, where she had a supporting role and wasn’t sure if she had made a lasting impression.
“I didn’t play the lead. I didn’t even know if I made a lasting impression,” she wrote. “But I showed up, gave it my all—and someone was watching.”
She continued, revealing that for Cordelia, she never auditioned. Instead, TK directly called and offered her the lead role.
“This journey no be beans o! Na God dey run am with this talent wey choke,” she added, encouraging aspiring actors never to underestimate any role.
Cordelia: A Must-See Political Drama
Cordelia, which premiered in cinemas nationwide last Friday, is adapted from a novel by esteemed playwright and scholar Professor Femi Osofisan. The political drama tells the story of a disillusioned professor who unknowingly harbors a wounded student—later revealed to be the daughter of a wrongly accused coup plotter—amid the turmoil following a military coup.
Omowunmi Dada stars as Cordelia, alongside a stellar cast including William Benson as Professor Adekunle, Yvonne Jegede as Remi, Keppy Ekpeyong as Colonel Nwanze, and Kelechi Udegbe as Major Kawale.
The film is produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, with a screenplay adaptation by Bunmi Ajiboye, cinematography by Adekunle Adejuyigbe, and executive production by Tayo Oladimeji and Kunle Adebiyi.
Omowunmi ended her post by encouraging fans to head to the cinema to experience Cordelia, which she described as a “beautiful story worth watching.”
