The Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return has achieved a significant milestone, grossing over N71 million from single-day preview screenings. According to Nigerian Box Office, the film recorded N70 million from 12,134 admissions during its preview run between September 25 and October 1. This performance marks the biggest single-day preview gross ever recorded in West Africa, placing the film at No. 1 for the period.
The film's success is further highlighted by its impressive admissions and gross figures. The 12,134 admissions represent the biggest first-day admissions in 2026, while the N70 million gross is the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title this year. Additionally, the film holds the biggest single-day gross for October so far. Distributor The Nile Entertainment confirmed the record, describing the film as the biggest faith-based opener of all time and the No. 1 movie of the week.
Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern reimagining of the 1993 classic by Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, later released in English as The Ultimate Power in 1994. The film tells the story of Muwonleru, a village ruled by the powerful herbalist Isawuru. Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave the city to take the gospel to the community, sparking a clash between faith and traditional power. The film features a mix of familiar and new faces, including Mike Bamiloye, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, and Joshua Bamiloye.
The film's cast includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye, and David Kola Okeowo. Mike Bamiloye repeated his role as Isawuru, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye directed the new film. The movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide, 33 years after the original was released. The film's success has been met with excitement from fans and industry stakeholders.
The distributor, The Nile Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the film's performance, stating that it has broken multiple records. “From the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title to the biggest faith-based opener of all time, the biggest single-day previews in West Africa (₦71M+), and the #1 movie of the week. The Legend didn’t just return. It roared back. And now, ₦71M+ and counting,” the distributor said.
The film's achievement is significant for the Nollywood industry, demonstrating its continued growth and appeal. The success of Agbara Nla: The Return highlights the demand for high-quality, faith-based content in Nigeria and West Africa. The film's impact is expected to be felt in the industry, with stakeholders eager to see its continued performance.
As the film continues to show in cinemas nationwide, fans and industry stakeholders are eagerly anticipating its next milestone. With its impressive preview performance, Agbara Nla: The Return is poised to become one of the highest-grossing films in Nollywood history. The film's record-breaking achievement is a testament to the power of Nollywood to entertain and inspire audiences.
Key points
- The film grossed N71 million from single-day preview screenings, breaking the West Africa record.
- The film's 12,134 admissions represent the biggest first-day admissions in 2026.
- Agbara Nla: The Return is the biggest faith-based opener of all time and the No. 1 movie of the week.
