The Nollywood romantic drama 'Ìfẹ́' has shattered the Nigerian box office record with ₦2.1 billion in its opening weekend — surpassing the previous record of ₦1.8 billion set by 'A Tribe Called Judah' in 2023 — as sold-out screenings in 18 cities confirmed the film's status as a cultural phenomenon before its international Netflix release on July 1.

Starring Tobi Bakre and Osas Ighodaro, the film tells the story of two childhood sweethearts from Lagos and Kano who reconnect across a decade of personal and national upheaval. Director Kayode Kasum shot the film over 74 days across six Nigerian states, with a budget of ₦850 million — the largest for a Nollywood production to date.

The story behind the record

'Ìfẹ́' premiered at the Film House IMAX in Victoria Island to an audience that included the Lagos State Governor, several Nollywood veterans, and hundreds of fans who had queued from midnight. The film was met with a standing ovation and critics immediately began drawing comparisons to the golden era of Nigerian cinema.

Lead actress Osas Ighodaro, who received a Zuma Film Festival award for her performance, described the role as the most demanding of her career. "I read the script at midnight and cried for an hour. Then I called Kayode and said yes," she told red carpet reporters.