Nollywood icon, Funke Akindele has achieved another historic milestone, as her latest film, Behind The Scenes, has crossed the ₦2 billion mark at the box office, the first Nollywood movie ever to hit the figure.
The landmark achievement was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne Entertainment in a post shared via X. The distributor disclosed that the film has now earned ₦2,103,039,706 in cinema revenue.
FilmOne described the feat as one that has “officially broken and shattered records,” noting that Behind The Scenes is now the highest-grossing Nollywood film in Africa, as well as the top-performing Nollywood title in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The distributor also stated that the film cements Akindele’s position as Africa’s most commercially successful filmmaker and the highest-grossing writer, director and producer in West Africa’s history.
With this milestone, Akindele becomes the first filmmaker to top Africa’s box office for three consecutive years, a distinction FilmOne called unprecedented.
Reacting to the audience reception, the company expressed gratitude to cinema-goers for “believing in the magic of storytelling,” adding that the film’s success is not just a box office triumph but a cultural moment powered by loyal audiences and strong word-of-mouth.
The ₦2bn record marks another upward leap for Behind The Scenes, which earlier crossed ₦1bn before rising to ₦1.77bn en route to its industry-leading total.
The film features lead actress Scarlet Gomez, alongside a star-studded ensemble that includes Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebowale ‘Mr Macaroni’, Ibrahim Chatta and Kamo State, among others.
Akin to many of Akindele’s blockbusters, the movie blends commercial appeal with social relevance. Behind The Scenes takes on the theme of black tax spotlighting the emotional and financial burden placed on people expected to continually support extended family.
The relatable subject, combined with a powerful cast, robust marketing and Akindele’s brand appeal, is widely credited for the film’s dominance across Nigeria and West Africa.
The success of Behind The Scenes expands Akindele’s record-breaking streak. Her previous films — including Everybody Loves Jenifa — delivered massive box office returns and multiple revenue milestones, sealing her status as Nollywood’s most bankable filmmaker.
With cinema screenings continuing and offshore markets contributing to earnings, Behind The Scenes is already being described as a turning point for Nollywood’s commercial evolution — signalling an era of billion-naira blockbusters with global resonance.