Kunle Afolayan: My Films Are for “People Who Have Sense”

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed criticism of his Netflix series Anikulapo Season 2: Ghoul Awakening, describing the fantasy drama as intended for “intellectual” audiences. Posting a video on Tuesday, Afolayan thanked fans for their support while acknowledging that reviews of the series have been mixed.

Recalling his earlier film Irapada, which initially faced criticism but later won awards and gained international recognition, he urged fellow filmmakers not to be discouraged by public opinion. “There’s something peculiar to the kind of films that we make,” he said, highlighting that his productions are driven by intellect rather than mass appeal.

Storytelling, Cultural Themes, and Niche Audiences

Afolayan emphasised that his storytelling style targets viewers who appreciate depth and cultural context. “We make films for the intellectual, not gbas gbos… We make films for people who can think,” he said, adding that universal acceptance was never his goal. He expressed satisfaction that scholars and “deep thinkers” have engaged with the project.

Responding to criticisms that the plot feels disjointed, he explained that the series unfolds progressively across multiple episodes. “What you have seen is just a few… the storyline will become clearer as the series develops,” he said.

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Anikulapo is a Yoruba fantasy drama centred on Saro, a travelling artisan executed for an affair with a queen, who is resurrected by a mystical bird called the Akala. The first season, Rise of the Spectre, debuted on Netflix in 2022 and received global attention for its exploration of Yoruba mythology and traditional aesthetics. Following its success, season two premiered on January 30, 2026.

Afolayan concluded by encouraging filmmakers to continue creating for audiences who understand their work, describing them as viewers with “sense, common sense.”