Nollywood film Agbara Nla: The Return reportedly grosses ₦408 million

Nollywood faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return has reportedly grossed ₦408.3 million at the Nigerian box office, strengthening its position among the country's most successful film releases of 2026.

The milestone was announced by distributor Nile Entertainment on Monday, 26 October. In its announcement, the company celebrated the film's continued cinema run, describing it as the number-one title at the Nigerian box office for four consecutive weekends.

According to reports by Punch and QED.NG, the latest earnings make the film the second-highest-grossing Nollywood title released in 2026, behind Call of My Life, which has reportedly earned more than ₦900 million. Nile Entertainment also described Agbara Nla: The Return as the highest-grossing faith-based film of all time and the highest-grossing film ever released in October. These record claims are based on the distributor's announcement.

The achievement marks another major moment for Nigeria's cinema industry, particularly for filmmakers producing stories rooted in Christian faith and values.

From a 1993 Christian classic to a modern cinema release

The film is a remake of the 1993 Christian classic created by veteran filmmaker Mike Bamiloye, a prominent figure in Nigeria's faith-based film industry. The new version was directed by his sons, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Mike-Bamiloye, popularly known as Jay Mikee. Production involved Mount Zion Film Productions, Sozo Films and Circuits, with Chris Odeh as producer and Nile Entertainment handling theatrical distribution.

The story centres on Muwonleru, a village under the influence of Isawuru, a powerful herbalist. Two believers, Olaboye and Olatomi, arrive with a mission to spread the Gospel and confront the forces controlling the community. Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru, connecting the new production with the original film's legacy.

By revisiting a familiar story for a new generation, the production brings nostalgia to audiences who remember the original while introducing its themes to younger cinema-goers.

Strong opening and sustained audience interest

Agbara Nla: The Return opened in Nigerian cinemas on 1 October 2026, following preview screenings that reportedly generated more than ₦71 million and attracted 12,134 admissions. Reports put its combined previews and opening-period earnings at approximately ₦170.6 million.

The latest ₦408.3 million figure represents an increase of ₦53.8 million from the ₦354.5 million previously reported on 20 October. Its continued position at number one for four consecutive weekends suggests that audience interest extended beyond its initial release.

The film has also reached international audiences, with screenings reported in the United Kingdom and Canada. Its opening weekend in selected cinemas in those markets reportedly generated $120,660, offering another indication of interest beyond Nigeria.

What the milestone means for Nollywood

The film's reported success adds to the conversation about the commercial potential of faith-based entertainment in Nigeria. Productions built around Christian themes have long attracted audiences through religious communities and home-video distribution. A strong cinema performance demonstrates how such stories can also compete in the theatrical market.

However, one film's success does not guarantee similar results for every faith-based production. Marketing, distribution, production quality, cinema availability and word of mouth all influence box-office performance.

For now, Agbara Nla: The Return has established itself as one of Nollywood's notable releases of 2026. With screenings reportedly continuing nationwide, its final earnings could rise further. The ₦408.3 million milestone is not only a commercial achievement for the filmmakers and distributors but also a moment of recognition for a genre seeking a wider audience.