The Nollywood faith-based movie, Agbara Nla: The Return, has generated more than N71m from preview screenings ahead of its nationwide cinema release.
The film recorded about N70m from 12,134 admissions during preview screenings held between September 25 and October 1, according to Nigerian Box Office, a box-office analysis and consultancy platform.
The performance was described as the highest single-day preview gross recorded in West Africa, placing the movie at the top of the rankings for the period.
The report also noted that the 12,134 admissions represented the highest first-day admissions figure recorded for a movie in 2026, while its approximately N70m gross was the biggest first-day earning by a Nollywood title this year.
The distributor of the movie, The Nile Entertainment, said the film had also achieved the biggest opening for a faith-based movie.
In a statement shared by the distributor, it said, “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, and the number one movie of the week, Agbara Nla has set a new benchmark.”
The distributor added, “The Legend didn’t just return. It roared back.”
Agbara Nla: The Return is now showing in cinemas across Nigeria, 33 years after the original production debuted.
The new movie is a contemporary adaptation of the 1993 classic created by Christian filmmaker, Mike Bamiloye. The original was subsequently released in English in 1994 as The Ultimate Power.
The story follows Muwonleru, a community under the influence of a powerful herbalist, Isawuru. Two Christians, Olaboye and Olatomi, leave their lives in the city to spread the Christian faith in the community, setting the stage for a confrontation between their beliefs and Isawuru’s spiritual influence.
Mike Bamiloye reprises his role as Isawuru in the new production, while Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Bamiloye serve as directors.
Other members of the cast include Aanu Kolade Abiodun, Remilekun Mosiko, Philip Olubakin, Gloria Mike-Bamiloye and David Kola Okeowo.
