Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has responded strongly to criticism trailing the latest chapter of his Netflix franchise, Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens.
Reacting to the backlash following the release of the series, Afolayan made it clear that his movies are not for everyone.
“I make films for people who can think,” the director said. “My movies are for the intellectual and those who have common sense,” he added.
‘Complex Stories Take Time To Be Understood’
Addressing complaints about the series’ narrative choices, Afolayan noted that criticism is not new to him. He pointed to earlier titles such as The Figurine and Irapada, which were heavily criticised upon release but later earned awards and international recognition.
Complex stories are sometimes appreciated only with time, he said.
The movie producer added that feedback from “scholars, professors, deep thinkers, people who don’t only think about now” confirms that the target audience understands the film.
Comparison To Game of Thrones
Afolayan likened the Aníkúlápó series to HBO’s Game of Thrones in terms of intricacy. Earlier plotlines are often only understood many episodes later, he explained.
“Anikulapo is a series that has many episodes,” he said, questioning the conclusions of critics. “How do you conclude it is not good when you have not even seen the entire thing?”
He advised viewers who do not understand the series to seek clarity from those who do.
‘Not Every Story Is Meant To Be Spoon-Fed’
Afolayan added that audiences are free to dislike his projects, but that will not influence his creative direction.
He urged detractors to continue expressing their views, stating:
“We will keep appealing to people who have common sense.”
Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens premiered on Netflix in late January as a continuation of the 2022 epic Aníkúlápó. The series deepens its exploration of Yoruba mythology, power, consequence, and the burden of immortality, adopting a darker and more intense tone than the original film.
Afolayan, however, remains unmoved. He insisted that debate is part of filmmaking and maintained confidence in his vision.
“Not every story is meant to be spoon-fed,” he said.
Take your films to the classroom then.
I totally agreed with him, the move is meant for intellectual.. it’s movies like this that keeps me in suspense I loved to see not one 1hr movies that has no head nor tail. If you can’t understand it once, watch it again n again. That’s what a movie that is appealing does