Nollywood faith-based film, Agbara Nla: The Return, has generated more than N71m from preview screenings, giving the 2026 remake a record-breaking start ahead of its nationwide theatrical run.
The film recorded 12,134 admissions during its previews, according to Nigerian box-office data and Nile Entertainment, its theatrical distributor.
The performance was reported as the biggest single-day preview gross in West Africa, while the film also recorded the highest preview admissions for a movie in Nigeria in 2026.
Nile Entertainment said the film’s early performance included the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title, the biggest single-day gross for a Nollywood film and the biggest opening for a faith-based film.
The film also recorded the highest single-day gross for an October release.
The early revenue was concentrated largely in the South-West, with Lagos accounting for 50.8 per cent of the reported earnings. Oyo contributed 13.2 per cent, while Abuja accounted for 10.7 per cent.
Ogun, Kwara, Osun and Ondo contributed 6.2 per cent, 4.5 per cent, 3.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively, while other markets made up the balance.
The Head of Theatrical Distribution at Nile Entertainment, Thelma Udeze, attributed the response to the film’s connection with audiences.
“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,” she said.
Udeze added that having more than 12,100 people attend the previews was significant for a faith-based Nigerian production.
Agbara Nla: The Return is a modern reimagining of the 1993 Christian film written by Mike Bamiloye during the home-video era.
The new production was directed by Bamiloye’s sons, Damilola and Joshua, and produced by Chris Odeh in collaboration with Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits.
The directors said the project was intended to preserve the original story while presenting it to a contemporary audience.
“Seeing people who grew up with Agbara Nla, alongside a new generation discovering it in cinemas, has been a special experience,” they said.
The film returns to the story of Muwonleru, a village controlled by the powerful herbalist Isawuru. Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave their city lives to spread the Christian message, setting up a confrontation with Isawuru.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru, while the cast includes Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
The film opened nationwide on October 2 and is also scheduled for theatrical releases in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
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