Nollywood filmmaker and actor Funke Akindele has recorded another major box office hit with her latest film, Behind the Scenes, which has emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025, according to figures released by cinema distribution platforms.
The film has earned ₦512 million in ticket sales, making it the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million mark since local box office tracking began. The record-breaking performance places Behind the Scenes ahead of the action-comedy Gingerr, which previously held the top spot for the year.
Cinema operator FilmOne Entertainment confirmed the achievement in a social media statement, saying, “Thank you, West Africa, for showing up, filling cinemas, and carrying this story with love.”
Behind the Scenes was released on December 12 and topped weekend box office charts across West Africa
The film stars Akindele as Ronke Fernandez, a wealthy philanthropist whose personal life begins to unravel under pressure from family expectations. The story focuses on emotional strain, responsibility, and unresolved personal challenges.
The cast includes Tobi Bakre, Ini Dima-Okojie, Uzor Arukwe, Uche Montana, Scarlet Gomez, Mr Macaroni, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Destiny Etiko, Afeez Oyetoro, and Ejiro Onojaefe, alongside reality TV personalities and digital creators Wanni x Handi and Vee.
The success of Behind the Scenes continues Akindele’s strong run in cinemas during the December period. Her previous films, A Tribe Called Judah (2023) and Everybody Loves Jenifa (2024), were also released during the festive season, with the former hitting ₦1 billion in cinemas. Earlier hits like Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto: The Saga each made over ₦600 million.
Industry analysts note that Akindele’s films have benefited from a combination of broad audience appeal, large ensemble casts, and sustained promotional campaigns. December remains the most commercially active period for Nigerian cinemas, with increased foot traffic during the holiday break.
Behind the Scenes could move further up the list of all-time highest-grossing Nollywood films as several weeks still remain in its theatrical run.
