Funke Akindele Does It Again: Behind The Scenes Crosses ₦1 Billion and Breaks Nollywood Records
Author
Samson Henry
Date Published
Funke Akindele has done it again. When many people thought the bar could not be raised any higher, she stepped over it with ease. Her latest movie, Behind The Scenes, has crossed the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office, and it did so shortly after Christmas. This achievement is not just big, it is historic. It confirms her place as the true box office queen of Nollywood.
For years, Funke Akindele has been known for consistency, hard work, and a deep understanding of what Nigerian audiences love to watch. With Behind The Scenes, she has once again shown that success is not by chance. It is the result of years of learning, failing, improving, and showing up stronger each time.
The ₦1 billion milestone is important on its own, but what makes this moment special are the records that came with it. First, Funke Akindele has become the first filmmaker in Nigeria to deliver three consecutive ₦1 billion movies in a single calendar year. This is something no one has done before in Nollywood. It shows not just popularity, but trust. Audiences trust her name enough to keep buying tickets again and again.
She is also now officially Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time. This title speaks volumes. Nollywood is a competitive industry with many talented filmmakers, yet Funke stands at the very top in terms of box office numbers. This is not about hype. It is about results that can be counted and verified.
Another major record is that she is the only director to cross ₦1 billion at the box office three different times. This means her success is repeatable. It was not luck the first time, and it was not luck the second or third time either. She has clearly mastered the balance between strong storytelling, good casting, smart marketing, and perfect timing.
Behind The Scenes is also the highest-grossing release of 2025 so far. In a year filled with several big titles, her film is leading the race. This says a lot about her pull as a filmmaker and as a brand. Once her movie is announced, it automatically becomes one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
One of the most talked-about achievements from this run is the Boxing Day record. Behind The Scenes recorded ₦129.5 million in a single day on Boxing Day. This is the highest single-day gross ever recorded in Nollywood history. On a day when families go out to relax and enjoy movies together, Nigerians chose Funke Akindele’s film in massive numbers. That choice speaks louder than any award.
The film is also the fastest in West Africa to cross the ₦1 billion mark. This is not just a Nigerian achievement but a regional one. It shows the growing power of West African cinema and how Nollywood, when done right, can produce films that move at record-breaking speed.
Beyond the numbers, Behind The Scenes represents something bigger. It shows what is possible when filmmakers take their craft seriously. It also proves that audiences are willing to support local films when the quality is right. Funke Akindele continues to raise the standard, not just for herself, but for everyone in the industry.
This success also belongs to the cast and crew who worked tirelessly behind the camera. From the actors to the production team, marketers, and cinema partners, this was a collective effort. However, strong leadership always matters, and Funke Akindele has shown again that she knows how to lead a winning team.
Her journey is also inspiring for upcoming filmmakers, especially women. She has broken barriers, challenged old limits, and rewritten the rules of what a Nollywood film can achieve commercially. Each record she breaks opens doors for others to dream bigger.
In the end, Behind The Scenes is more than just a movie title. It reflects the work, planning, and sacrifice that happen away from the spotlight. Funke Akindele has once again reminded everyone that greatness is built step by step. Congratulations to Funke Akindele, the cast, and the entire crew of Behind The Scenes. This is a well-deserved win and a proud moment for Nollywood. The billion-naira box office queen has truly earned her crown.
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