Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has responded to the mixed reactions trailing the second season of his Netflix series, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, urging viewers and critics alike to withhold judgment until they have watched the full series.
In a video posted on his verified Instagram page on Tuesday, Afolayan addressed concerns about the storyline and pacing of the series, stressing that his productions are intentionally crafted for a particular audience.
“There’s something very peculiar about the kind of films that we make. We make films for the intellectual, not gbasgbos. We make films for people who can think,” he said.
The award-winning director noted that he does not expect universal acceptance or understanding of his work, maintaining that his primary goal is to connect with viewers who appreciate layered storytelling and deeper themes.
“I don’t expect that everybody will like the film. And I don’t even expect that everybody will understand the film, but I expect that the people I’m trying to appeal to — the people I had at the back of my mind when I was conceiving the ideas — I know they will get it, and they got it,” he added.
Afolayan revealed that he has received commendations from scholars, professors, and what he described as “deep thinkers,” who have shared positive feedback about the series. According to him, such responses reaffirm his commitment to producing intellectually driven content.
Responding to criticisms that the plot appears confusing or disjointed, the filmmaker emphasized that the series is still unfolding.
“It is a series that has many episodes. What you have seen are just a few of the episodes. How do you conclude that it is not good when you have not even seen the entire thing?” he queried.
Drawing a comparison with internationally acclaimed series such as Game of Thrones, Afolayan noted that audiences typically allow complex storylines to develop over time before forming conclusions. He also hinted at the introduction of new plot twists as the season progresses.
While appreciating viewers who have engaged with the project and shared constructive feedback, Afolayan recalled that some of his earlier works, including Irapada and The Figurine, initially faced criticism before going on to achieve critical acclaim and international recognition.
“At the end of the day, the film travelled, it got awards, it was internationally recognised,” he said, referencing Irapada. “And then we moved to The Figurine… some people were like, no, you know, all sorts. And we’re here now.”
Encouraging fellow filmmakers to remain steadfast in their creative vision despite public scrutiny, Afolayan urged them not to be discouraged by critics.
“As a filmmaker, don’t listen, just keep making your films,” he said, adding that he remains committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.
Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, a continuation of the 2022 epic film Aníkúlápó, continues to generate conversations among viewers as it streams on Netflix.
