Anikulapo, a Netflix original movie produced and directed by veteran actor, Kunle Afolayan, is currently topping the Netflix weekly global chart as the most viewed non-English Netflix original movie.
Anikulapo had been viewed for 8,730,000 hours between October 3 and October 9, 2022, according to Netflix's weekly top 10 lists of the most watched movies since its release only 11 days prior. On Wednesday, Kunle Afolayan Production issued a statement confirming this.
The film, which takes place in the former Oyo Empire in the 17th century during the pre-colonial era, tells the tale of a wanderer who makes his way to Oyo in pursuit of greener pastures. Although he first finds favour there, the man later finds love in an unsavoury location.
The movie featured A-list actors like Kunle Remi, who played the main character Saro, alongside Bimbo Ademoye, who played the role of Queen Arolake, Sola Sobowale, Mr Macaroni, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Taiwo Hassan, Oga Bello among others.
The producers had said the acceptability of the movie proved that the film resonated with people from diverse cultures all over the world.
The statement read, “While this is being celebrated by Nigerians at home and abroad, the acceptability of it from people around the world with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs proves beyond words that Anikulapo tells a universal story that every human across the world can relate to.
“It is also noteworthy to state that the movie in a great way creates an inclusiveness of both male and female character traits, bringing to light the fine thin line between lust and love, hate and resentment, illusion etc.”
Afolayan, on his Instagram page, thanked the movie fans for their referrals and reviews.
He said, “Congratulations to us all and thanks to you guys out there for the reviews and referrals.”
This comes just a few days after the Nigeria Oscars selection committee disqualified Anikulapo from the nomination list of the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars.