Nollywood director Kunle Afolayan has addressed the backlash surrounding his latest Netflix mini-series, Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens, insisting that the show was deliberately created for a thoughtful, intellectual audience rather than aiming for mass appeal.
The five-part series, which premiered on January 30 as a continuation of his 2022 hit film Anikulapo, quickly sparked mixed reactions online. While some viewers praised its mythology and rich storytelling, others criticized the pacing and complexity of its plot.
Speaking in a video on Instagram, Afolayan emphasized that his films are crafted for viewers who appreciate layered narratives. “I make films for people who can think,” he said, referencing his previous works like Irapada and The Figurine, which were initially misunderstood but later received international recognition.
Afolayan encouraged critics and audiences to watch the entire series before forming judgments. He explained that Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens introduces new characters and plotlines that might not be immediately clear, noting that some viewers, especially lovers of literature and folklore, would already grasp the depth of the story.
He acknowledged that not every viewer would connect with the series, but maintained that the work was created to challenge and engage audiences intellectually. Comparing it to globally celebrated shows like Game of Thrones, he said some stories require patience to fully appreciate.
Despite the mixed reactions, Afolayan remains committed to producing films that provoke thought and invite deeper engagement, rather than conforming to conventional expectations of entertainment.
