The Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return has achieved significant success in its preview screenings, generating over N71 million ahead of its official cinema release. According to the Nigerian Box Office platform, the film recorded about N70 million from 12,134 admissions between September 25 and October 1. This performance marks the biggest single-day preview gross in West Africa, positioning the film at the top of the box-office chart for the period.
The film's success is further highlighted by its record-breaking admissions and gross. The 12,134 admissions represent the highest first-day figure recorded in 2026, while the N70 million gross is the highest first-day gross recorded by a Nollywood title. The film's distributor, Nile Entertainment, had earlier announced that the production achieved several milestones, including the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and the biggest opening for a faith-based film.
Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern reimagining of the 1993 Christian classic created by filmmaker Mike Bamiloye. The original film, Agbara Nla, was released 33 years ago and has now been re-released with a new storyline. Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru in the new production, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye directed the film. The cast also includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye, and David Kola Okeowo.
The story of Agbara Nla: The Return revolves around Muwonleru, a village controlled by the powerful herbalist Isawuru. The plot follows two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, who leave their city lives to take the Christian message to the community, setting the stage for a confrontation between their faith and Isawuru's spiritual influence. The film's enduring appeal and response from cinema audiences have been attributed to its success.
The Nigerian Box Office platform reported that Agbara Nla: The Return also recorded the biggest single-day gross for October. Nile Entertainment attributed the film's performance to the story's enduring appeal and the response from cinema audiences. The distributor expressed excitement about the film's achievement, stating that "The Legend didn't just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting."
Agbara Nla: The Return is currently showing in cinemas nationwide, 33 years after the original Agbara Nla was released. The original film was later released in English in 1994 under the title The Ultimate Power. The new production has generated significant interest and attention, with many praising its storyline and production quality.
The success of Agbara Nla: The Return is a significant milestone for Nollywood, demonstrating the industry's continued growth and appeal. The film's achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its cast and crew. With its record-breaking performance, Agbara Nla: The Return is expected to continue to attract large audiences and generate significant revenue in the coming weeks.
Key points
- The film grossed over N71 million in single-day preview screenings.
- The film recorded 12,134 admissions, the highest first-day figure in 2026.
- Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern reimagining of the 1993 Christian classic created by filmmaker Mike Bamiloye.
