Nollywood History Made: Funke Akindele's Film 'Behind the Scenes' Shatters ₦2 Billion Box Office Record!

Nigerian cinema has witnessed an unprecedented milestone as Funke Akindele's latest cinematic offering, "Behind the Scenes," officially surpassed the astounding ₦2 billion mark at the box office. This historic achievement, confirmed on January 12, 2026, marks the first time any Nollywood production has reached such a financial zenith within the African continent. The film now proudly holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing Nollywood title ever recorded across Africa, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Beyond the film's individual success, Funke Akindele herself has cemented her legacy as a trailblazing filmmaker. With "Behind the Scenes," she becomes the first filmmaker to secure the number-one spot at the African box office for three consecutive years. Also, Akindele now holds the esteemed titles of West Africa's highest-grossing filmmaker, writer, director, and producer of all time, highlighting her unparalleled influence and commercial prowess in the industry.
The narrative heart of "Behind the Scenes" intricately follows the life of Aderonke Faniran, a successful real estate entrepreneur. Ronke navigates the complex role of being the primary financial bedrock for her siblings, father, and extensive social circle. The film meticulously explores the inherent pressures of what is commonly known as "black tax" and the profound emotional toll exacted by an unchecked generosity in sustaining family. As unforeseen personal challenges emerge, Ronke is compelled to critically re-evaluate the boundaries of her sacrifices and the true cost of her unwavering support.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring a blend of established industry veterans and promising emerging talents. Key performances include Scarlet Gomez portraying the central character, Aderonke Faniran, with Funke Akindele herself taking on the role of Adetutu. Other prominent actors include Tobi Bakre as Adewale, Uzor Arukwe as Victor, Destiny Etiko as the housemaid, and notable appearances by Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, Uche Montana, Ini Dima-Okojie, and Mr Macaroni.
Reflecting on this monumental success, Funke Akindele shared her profound gratitude and perspective via her Instagram page, stating, "Records are milestones, not the mission. From A Tribe Called Judah grossing 1B to Behind The Scenes crossing 2B and still counting, this is God in motion. And i’m most grateful to my maker and return all the glory to him. The lesson remains unchanged: serve the story, respect the audience, refine the craft, and let the work earn its applause." This sentiment highlights her dedication to storytelling and audience engagement above mere financial accolades.
Adding to its list of accolades, "Behind the Scenes" also set a national record for the highest single-day box office gross in Nigeria. According to the film's distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, the movie garnered an impressive ₦129.5 million on Boxing Day alone, further solidifying its dominant performance and widespread appeal among Nigerian audiences.
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