Nollywood actor Kunle Afolayan has responded to criticisms surrounding the second season of his series, ‘Aníkúlápó: The Ghoul Awakens’, which debuted on Netflix on January 30.
He likened its intricate storyline to that of the ‘Game of Thrones’, and expressed appreciation for the positive feedback from academics, while taking a jab at critics like Sir Dickson, who described the series as incoherent and outdated.
Afolayan stated that “what’s unique about the films I create is that they are intended for intellectuals, not just for casual viewers.
“I don’t expect everyone to appreciate or grasp the film, but I do hope that the audience I envisioned while making it would understand it, and they have.
“I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from scholars, professors, and thoughtful individuals, and I value their insights.”
He continued: “For those who don’t get it, let me simplify: this is a series with multiple episodes, and what you’ve seen so far is just a few of them. How can you judge its quality without having seen the whole thing?”
“Those who appreciate literature will understand it; those who don’t should seek guidance from those who do.”
Fans were divided, with some defending the series’ intellectual depth while others criticized Afolayan’s elitist attitude, echoing reviews that pointed out inconsistencies alongside its rich mythology.
Sir Dickson responded: “I know you needed my name for publicity. I’m glad to assist. The film is nonsensical and lacks coherence or intelligence.
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“It suffers from severe anachronism, which I understand may be beyond your comprehension due to your lack of insight.”
@zoeymetax commented that “referring to your audience as ‘intellectuals’ while labeling others as ‘senseless’ is excessive. Watching movies should be enjoyable! You can be profound and still entertaining. Let’s not turn Nollywood into a lecture hall.”
@Adewale350 remarked that “so we need to study literature to understand your movie? That’s a bit much, sir. This discussion could be more constructive and engaging instead of defensive. Oga Oni literature.”
@Tickless00 said: “I don’t even know who this person is or what film he’s discussing, but I can confidently say the film is terrible, and it’s unreasonable to label everyone who dislikes it as senseless.
“People like him, who can’t even distinguish left from right, are quick to call themselves intelligent while condemning dissenters.”
@Adeniyi_Goke advised that “calm down sometimes; you don’t need to respond to everything. Saying your fans lack sense doesn’t make sense either. After all, they subscribed to Netflix to watch your movie.
“Without an audience, even the most profound film is just an expensive hard drive. Educate them instead of insulting them. Criticism isn’t hate; often, it’s from those who appreciate your work and want it to improve.”
“I see wetin your fans dey do as constructive criticism, and nothing wrong with that. Even professors still defend their thesis Great storytellers don’t just speak to intellectuals… they carry the audience along.
Respectfully, greatness grows faster when ego slows down.”
