For actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, his movies are made for viewers who appreciate intellectual storytelling rather than mainstream appeal.
Addressing criticisms surrounding his latest film, Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens on his Instagram page recently, Afolayan said not everyone is expected to understand or enjoy his work, adding that his target audience consists of those who value layered narratives and thought-provoking cinema.
“I make films for people who can think,” he said, pointing to his earlier projects, Irapada and The Figurine, which also faced initial criticism, but later garnered international awards and recognition.
Afolayan compared the premature judgment of Anikulapo Series 2 to global series like Game of Thrones where audiences often wait week by week to fully grasp the story before forming opinions.
He stressed that the series introduces new characters and plotlines, requiring patience to appreciate the deliberate storytelling approach.
The filmmaker shared that feedback from scholars, professors, and deep-thinking viewers has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming his focus on intellectual cinema.
While acknowledging that some viewers may not connect with his vision, Afolayan expressed gratitude to those who do.
Anikulapo Series 2 is currently streaming on Netflix in over 100 countries, while preparations are in top gear to release it in non-English speaking regions of the world.