Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has once again reaffirmed her status as Nigeria’s undisputed Queen of the Box Office, after her latest film, Behind The Scenes, crossed an impressive ₦1.7 billion in cinema revenue.
The record-breaking milestone, which puts the film firmly on a “road to ₦2 billion,” was announced by Akindele herself via Instagram, where she also reflected on the principles that have sustained her dominance at the box office for years.
“Hard work and grace have brought me thus far,” the actress wrote.
“In all you do, stay focused, zero distractions, and remain grateful for every opportunity you’re given. Thank you to everyone supporting the BEHIND THE SCENES movement. Let’s take it to the next level. BehindTheScenes is still showing in cinemas nationwide.”
With this achievement, Behind The Scenes has officially surpassed Akindele’s 2024 cinema hit Everybody Loves Jenifa, which closed its theatrical run at ₦1.6 billion, making the new record her highest-grossing film to date.
When the movie earlier crossed the ₦1 billion mark, Akindele credited her longevity to the unwavering support of her audience, stressing that her career has always been built around the people who show up for her work. According to her, without the fans, the journey would not have been possible.
Beyond the numbers, the filmmaker has consistently used her success as a teaching moment for younger creatives. She has often acknowledged that her rise was not smooth, admitting that the journey was “not always pretty,” but ultimately worth the sacrifice. Proud of her roots, Akindele has repeatedly described herself as a product of hustle, resilience and discipline.
In December, the actress marked 27 years in the movie industry, reflecting on how divine favour and relentless work have sustained her relevance across generations. She revealed that her approach to growth has remained the same over the years, even as her achievements have expanded.
Sharing insights into her creative process, Akindele once explained that each new project pushes her beyond her comfort zone. “Growth,” she noted in a previous post, “happens outside of comfort zones,” adding that hard work, consistency and focus remain her formula for continuous success.
Midway through the year, the filmmaker also opened up about a period early in her career when there was no spotlight, describing it as a season where “the dreams were loud,” but recognition was absent. According to her, time, growth and grace eventually turned that quiet process into purpose.
Known for her attention to detail, Akindele has also described herself as a perfectionist who strives to get every element right, both as an actress and a director. That commitment, many industry watchers believe, is reflected in her consistent box office performance.
As Behind The Scenes continues its cinema run nationwide and edges closer to the ₦2 billion mark, Funke Akindele’s reign shows no signs of slowing down, further solidifying her legacy as the most bankable filmmaker in Nollywood history.