'Agbara Nla: The Return' Smashes Box Office Records Before Hitting Cinemas
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Faith-based Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return has grossed over N71 million from single-day previews, drawing more than 12,100 admissions ahead of its nationwide cinema release.
Nile Entertainment, the film's theatrical distributor, says the film has already set several box-office milestones. These include the biggest opening for a faith-based film, the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title, and the highest single-day gross for an October release. The distributor also describes its preview performance as the biggest single-day preview in West Africa.
The film is a modern reimagining of the 1993 classic Agbara Nla, which was written by Mike Bamiloye and released by Mount Zion Film Productions during Nigeria's home-video era. The new adaptation is directed by Mike Bamiloye's sons, Damilola and Joshua Bamiloye, and produced by Chris Odeh in collaboration with Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits.
Reflecting on the film's reception, the directors said "Seeing the film receive this kind of response is deeply meaningful to us. This is a story our father wrote in 1993, and we knew we were carrying something that already meant a great deal to many people. Our responsibility was to honour the heart of the original while telling the story in a way that could connect with audiences today. Seeing people who grew up with Agbara Nla, alongside a new generation discovering it in cinemas, has been a special experience…"
Thelma Udeze, Head of Theatrical Distribution at Nile Entertainment, said "The response to the film shows the strength of the connection audiences can have with stories that speak to their faith, culture and lived experiences. From a theatrical distribution standpoint, seeing more than 12,100 people turn out for the previews is significant… It is also encouraging to see a faith-based Nigerian film perform at this level …"
The new production revisits the story of Muwonleru, a village under the control of the powerful herbalist Isawuru. Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave their city lives to bring the Christian message to the community, setting off a clash between their faith and Isawuru's spiritual power.
Mike Bamiloye returns as Isawuru. The cast also features Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
The film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide, and is also set for an international theatrical release in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
