Video: ‘Anikulapo’ is for thinkers, not everyone – Afolayan tells critics

2026-02-11 - 14:28

By Enitan Abdultawab Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has sparked debate among fans following a video in which he defended his new series Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, insisting that his work is “for thinkers”. The threequel of the award-winning 2022 film Anikulapo premiered on Netflix on January 30 as a five-part miniseries. Addressing criticism, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan took to Instagram to emphasise that his storytelling is aimed at audiences who seek intellectual engagement rather than conventional entertainment. In a video posted on Tuesday, Afolayan explained that his films are crafted for viewers who appreciate layered narratives and thought-provoking cinema. He cited his earlier acclaimed works, Irapada and The Figurine, as examples of this approach. “Something that is very peculiar to the kind of films that we make – we make films for the intellectual. We make films for people who can think. I don’t expect that everybody would like the film or understand the film. But I expect that the people that I am trying to appeal to would get it.” View this post on Instagram The director revealed that he has received encouraging feedback from academics and deep thinkers. “I have read from scholars, professors, and deep thinkers; I have heard from them, and I appreciate them,” he noted. Addressing those who say they do not understand the series, he said, “To those who really don’t get it, let me break it down in layman’s terms. It is a series that has many episodes. What you have seen are just a few of the episodes. How do you conclude that in your brain that it is not good when you have not even seen the entire thing?” Drawing a comparison with international productions, he added, “When you watch series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and the rest, you have to wait every week before the new episode comes out. You haven’t even seen it all, how come you’ve concluded that the stories are all over the place?” The statement triggered a flurry of reactions on X, with supporters and critics clashing over his view of “intellectual” filmmaking. @getKennethed22 agreed with him, writing, “He’s taking a swipe at Funke. But what he stated is the truth. Funke’s films are mainly directed at those who are low in IQ. I can’t fathom why intelligent individuals and intellectuals would find her films intelligible and savvy.” @AyoKnight1 also wrote, “Some low-capacity people will take this as shade. But he’s not wrong. Some films need your intellect; some need you to relax, enjoy, and have fun. Both are great. His films simply cater to the former, and that’s all there is to it.” Taking a more literary tone, @DharnyelPeter posted, “If you came for explosions and flying slippers, you’re in the wrong cinema. This isn’t Avengers: Yoruba Edition. Go outside. Some people press play for popcorn chaos. Others press play for metaphor and subtext. If you don’t get it, that’s on you.” @djdamanny wrote, “D Season 2 had many un-necessary long scenes and was just here and there.. Nothing much to blow one’s mind, he really relaxed on this, was even expecting some extra from the Oyinbo scenes inside d movie.” @mickeytrinny1 said, “What’s crazy is people applauding this crazy statement, this man outright called everyone that didn’t enjoy this arse of a movie unintellectual, is he not the one that lacks intelligent? who’s best to give review on your movie if not the consumer?” @OladimejiEgbey1 wrote, “So na we be gbas gbos.? A man must learn from his mistake instead you dey call we your fans gbas gbos fans, don’t worry na you and ur family members go watch your next movie inshallah.”