Nollywood actor and filmmaker Rotimi Salami has expressed deep concern over the disappointing cinema turnout for his latest movie, Kilanko, just days after its release across Nigerian cinemas.
The actor took to social media with an emotional message, revealing that the film’s performance at the box office during its opening weekend fell far below expectations. According to Salami, the low turnout could put the movie at risk of being removed from cinemas sooner than planned if ticket sales do not improve in the coming days.
In a heartfelt video shared online alongside veteran actress Yetunde Wunmi, Salami admitted that the situation weighed heavily on him. He thanked the fans who attended meet-and-greet events and screenings but acknowledged that the overall numbers were still too small to sustain the film’s run in theaters.
“I am making this post with a heavy heart,” the actor said, explaining that the weekend cinema figures were not encouraging. Despite the challenges, he urged movie lovers and supporters of Nollywood to step out and watch the film, emphasizing that Kilanko is a project he believes audiences will truly enjoy.
The movie, directed by the late filmmaker Ademola “Allwell” Ademola, carries emotional significance for Salami and members of the production team. With the director’s passing casting a shadow over the project, the film’s success in cinemas holds special meaning for those who worked on bringing it to life.
Salami warned that if ticket sales do not reach a “retainable figure” by the weekend, cinema operators might pull the film from theaters earlier than expected, a common outcome for movies that struggle to attract audiences in their early days.
His appeal has since sparked conversations among fans and industry observers about the challenges Nollywood filmmakers face in drawing audiences to cinemas, especially in a time when streaming platforms and economic pressures continue to affect movie-going culture.
For Rotimi Salami, however, the hope remains that word of mouth and renewed support from fans will give Kilanko the boost it needs to stay on the big screen a little longer.
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