Nollywood faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return has reportedly generated about ₦70 million from 12,134 admissions during preview screenings ahead of its nationwide cinema release.
According to Nigerian Box Office, a Nigerian box-office analysis and consultancy platform, the film recorded the figure during its preview period between September 25 and October 1.
The performance has been described as one of the strongest first-day results for a Nollywood title, while the film’s distributor, Nile Entertainment, said its single-day preview earnings had surpassed ₦71 million.
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The distributor also promoted the film as having recorded the biggest first-day gross for a Nollywood title and a major opening for a faith-based film.
The film began its nationwide cinema run on October 1, following an Abuja premiere on September 25.
The reported performance comes 33 years after the original Agbara Nla was released in 1993.
The original film was created by Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye and was later released in English as The Ultimate Power in 1994.
The new production is a modern reimagining of the story, with Bamiloye returning as the powerful herbalist Isawuru.
His sons, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, directed the new production.
The story returns to the village of Muwonleru, where residents are under the influence of Isawuru. Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave their city lives to take the Christian message to the community, setting up a confrontation between faith and spiritual power.
The cast includes Mike Bamiloye, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Philip Olubakin, Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
The new film represents a major shift from the distribution model of the original, which became popular during Nigeria’s VHS and television era.
This time, the story is being presented as a commercial cinema production, giving a new generation of viewers the opportunity to experience the Mount Zion classic on the big screen.
The early response has also prompted the distributor to add more cinema showtimes.
Nile Entertainment said it was working to create additional opportunities for moviegoers after receiving strong demand for the film.
The reported preview performance now gives Agbara Nla: The Return a strong opening platform as it begins its nationwide theatrical run.
Its eventual box-office performance will determine how the remake ranks among Nigeria’s biggest cinema releases.
