With the release of Kunle Afolayan’s latest addition to the Anikulapo franchise, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, what better time to look back at some of his most spectacular films?
Over the course of his career, Afolayan has dipped his toes in many genres. But one thing is clear, he has a soft spot for thrillers, a preference reflected in this list.
1. Omugwo (2017)
Genre: Comedy
Running time: 1h 40m
Omugwo follows a newlywed couple, Omotunde (Omowunmi Dada) and Raymond (Ken Erics). When they discover they are expecting a baby, Raymond’s mother (Patience Ozokwor) is more than delighted to come and spend omugwo with the couple. Meanwhile, Omotunde’s mother, who was initially averse to the idea, changes her mind and heads over as well. The entire movie focuses on the hilarious clash between both grandmas.
Afolayan leverages exaggerated performances from veterans Patience Ozokwor and Ayo Adesanya to drive the comedy. He does this by contrasting the different parenting styles of an Igbo mother-in-law and a Yoruba mother-in-law.
This title is currently unavailable on major streaming platforms.
2. Citation (2020)
Genre: Drama
Running time: 2h 30m
Few stories are as important as those that mirror real life, and this is why Citation stands out. It tells the story of Moremi (Temi Otedola), a student who is raped by her lecturer (Jimmy Jean-Louis), and tries to prove to his guilt to her university Tribunal.
Citation boldly tackles the Sex For Grades epidemic in Nigerian universities. For the most part, the film relies on Afolayan’s seasoned expertise to shine. This is evident in the film’s smooth editing, which effortlessly weaves together past and present timelines.
3. A Naija Christmas (2021)
Genre: Comedy
Running time: 2h 1m
This movie deserves praise for many reasons, notably its artistic cinematography, which brings the story to life. However, what makes it most endearing is the humour.
It follows three brothers (Kunle Remi, Abayomi Alvin, Efa Iwara) as they scramble to find wives to grant their mother’s Christmas wish—bring home good girls— and ultimately inherit the family house, which goes to whoever achieves this first.
Watch A Naija Christmas on Netflix.
4. The Figurine (2009)
Genre: Horror
Running time: 2h 00m
The Figurine introduces Afolayan’s fondness for African spirituality. It follows two friends (Kunle Afolayan & Ramsey Noah) who find a mystical sculpture in the forest. Unknown to them, this sculpture represents the deity Araromire, who bestows seven years of good luck on anyone who encounters it.
But like many things in life, it comes with a corresponding dark side: seven years of bad luck once the good years expire. It’s low-key giving that Pharaoh’s dream from the Bible, but make it Nigerian.
Watch The Figurine on Netflix.
5. October 1 (2014)
Genre: Crime Thriller
Running time: 1h 33m
October 1 excels in two interrelated areas: as a period piece and as a crime thriller. First, it accurately transports you to colonial Nigeria. Second, Afolayan leaves you feeling as tense as a bowstring drawn to its limit.
Arguably his magnum opus, the film is set in 1960 against the backdrop of Nigeria’s independence. It follows a police detective (Kunle Remi) investigating a series of killings in a remote village.
6. Phone Swap (2012)
Genre: Rom-com
Running time: 1h 50m
In Phone Swap, Kunle Afolayan takes an unexpected premise and creates a masterpiece. The beauty of the film lies in its story, a romcom delight that proved Afolayan could excel in romance when he wanted.
The plot kicks off when Mary (Nse Ikpe-etim) and Akin (Wale Ojo) bump into each other at the airport, accidentally mixing up their phones. Now, they must live each other’s lives until they get their devices back.
Watch The Phone Swap on Netflix.
7. The CEO (2016)
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Running time: 1h 45m
How on earth do you get Angelique Kidjo to star in your film? Well, that is the pan-African sauce Afolayan serves us in this movie. As expected, the visuals were chef’s kiss. The shots were spectacular, and the entire production—from casting to editing—was outstanding.
Five candidates are invited to a resort for a special team-building retreat in preparation for a leadership position. In typical Kunle Afolayan style, they soon figure out that something sinister is going on. Spoiler alert: after watching this film, you’ll never play musical chairs again. Good for me, since I’ve hated it since I was 4.
8. The Tribunal (2017)
Genre: Courtroom drama
Running time: 1h 55m
Some of the best stories are the ones about the mundane, and that is the entire reason I appreciate The Tribunal. The plot revolves around an albino banker (Damilola Ogunsi) who believes his employment was wrongfully terminated by his boss (Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde) for being an albino, rather than a small mistake he made. He ends up employing an old, washed-up lawyer (Funsho Adeolu) to help him pursue his case.
This title is currently unavailable on major streaming platforms.
9. Ijogbon (2023)
Genre: Thriller
Running time: 1h 55m
The opening scene of this movie validated the eternal truth about Afolayan’s movies. They are meant for the big screen, not your tiny smartphones. The setting, colour grading and seamless transitions all come together to make this film an enjoyable watch.
But what makes it truly stand out is the relatability. It’s not every time you see Nigerian directors use child actors who do it well. We follow four teenagers in a rural village who find a pouch of uncut diamonds and the adventures they get into because of it.
10. Mokalik (2019)
Genre: Drama
Running time: 1h 55m
A day in the life of a mechanic is what Afolayan aims to show us with Mokalik, along with Simi’s acting chops. It is a slice-of-life film that takes place over a single day in a mechanic workshop. Ponmile (Tooni Afolayan) is a 12-year-old boy from a middle-class family whose father sends him to work as an apprentice to see what being a mechanic is really like.
