Award‑winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has fired back at critics of his latest project, making it crystal clear that his art isn’t meant to be everyone’s cup of tea. The acclaimed director, known for bold storytelling and cinematic depth, addressed mixed reactions to Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens, currently streaming on Netflix.
In a video shared on his official Instagram page, Afolayan acknowledged the chatter and critiques around his narrative style , but he wasn’t apologetic. “I make films for people who can think,” he said, explaining that his work is crafted for viewers who appreciate layered stories and deeper thematic exploration rather than shallow entertainment.
The filmmaker emphasised that he doesn’t expect universal love or understanding of his projects. “I don’t expect that everybody will like the film, and I don’t even expect that everybody will understand the film,” he stated, urging critics to give his story time to unfold before passing judgment. Afolayan pointed to his earlier works like Irapada and The Figurine , both of which faced scepticism upon release but later earned international acclaim and awards , as proof that thoughtful cinema often takes time to be fully appreciated. Drawing a parallel to global hits such as Game of Thrones, he argued that audiences should allow complex narratives room to breathe, rather than dismiss them after only a few episodes. Ultimately, Afolayan’s message was clear: good cinema isn’t about pleasing everyone , it’s about staying true to a creative vision and connecting with those who can appreciate its depth.
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