Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu has joined the conversation surrounding the growing tension between filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele, offering a message of perspective and unity amid the box office debate.
The drama began after Kunle Afolayan stated that he is not focused on cinema revenue milestones, adding that he is not interested in earning “₦1 billion or ₦2 billion” at the box office if he cannot make “at least ₦10 million” personally. He also criticised what he described as excessive promotional performances tied to cinema releases.
Although he did not mention any names, his remarks came shortly after Funke Akindele’s film Behind The Scenes grossed ₦2.4 billion, while Toyin Abraham’s Oversabi Aunty crossed the ₦1 billion mark.
Funke Akindele responded strongly, saying:
“I’m not the one hindering your progress.”
She added:
“If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly.”
She also encouraged alternative strategies, saying:
“Go ahead and create an alternative promotion or marketing strategy for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it. You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me.”
Not stopping there, Funke shared a video of herself dancing while promoting her film, a clear response to criticism of energetic marketing styles.
Reacting to the back-and-forth, Regina Chukwu reposted a message on Instagram calling for understanding and individuality in the industry. The post read:
“N5 billion N1 billion. Life is turn by turn. The dancer, the boaster, the comedian. Everybody will be alright in this industry. Do the one you can do without shading anyone.”
Her message struck a calmer tone, suggesting that success comes in different forms and at different times for everyone in Nollywood.
Meanwhile, actress Ini Edo, who also had a film in cinemas during the same period, publicly praised both Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. She said her respect for them had grown, highlighting their “commitment, strategising, marketing, and overall game-playing” as being on another level.
Media mogul Mo Abudu also celebrated the trio, describing them as “phenomenal queens” and applauding them for “creating magic, breaking barriers, and showing the unstoppable strength of women in film.”
As conversations about cinema success, marketing styles, and creative choices continue, Regina Chukwu’s message stands out as a reminder that Nollywood’s growth leaves room for different paths to thrive.