Funke Akindele’s Latest Film Breaks ₦200 Million Barrier in Opening Weekend

Funke Akindele’s new cinema release has crossed ₦200 million ($137,765) in its opening weekend, underlining her box-office power and Nollywood’s growing appetite for big-screen events.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele’s newest cinema outing has opened to a resounding statement of intent. Within its first weekend in Nigerian cinemas, the film crossed the ₦200 million ($137,765) mark, placing it firmly among the most successful opening runs Nollywood has recorded in recent years.

According to box office tracking from major cinema chains, the film posted consistently strong numbers across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with premium screenings and weekend showtimes selling out early. Industry watchers note that weekday attendance also remained unusually high, a sign that audience interest extended beyond opening-day curiosity.

The performance did not happen by accident. In the weeks leading up to release, Akindele leaned heavily into audience engagement, rolling out behind-the-scenes clips, cast-driven social media moments and strategic press appearances that framed the film as a must-see cultural moment rather than a routine release. That approach paid off, converting online buzz into physical foot traffic at cinemas.

The result reinforces a pattern Akindele has established over the last decade: her projects reliably perform at scale in theaters, even as streaming platforms continue to reshape viewing habits. At a time when many producers are questioning whether cinemas still justify the cost and logistics, this opening weekend offers a counter-argument grounded in data, not nostalgia.

Beyond the headline figure, the film’s debut has wider implications for Nollywood’s economics. Strong theatrical openings improve downstream value, from extended cinema runs to stronger negotiating positions for streaming licenses and international distribution.

As the film continues its run, the industry will be watching not just how high the total climbs, but what this success signals: that Nollywood’s cinema audience is still alive, responsive, and willing to show up when the right story, star power and strategy align.