The big-screen spotlight is currently on Iyabo Ojo, as her highly anticipated sequel, The Return of Arinzo, has officially taken over the Nigerian box office this April.
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Here is the latest breakdown of how the film is dominating the charts as of Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
1. Box Office Milestone: Crossing $165,000
- The Numbers: After a massive opening weekend, the film has now surpassed $165,295 (~₦240 million) in total earnings.
- The Streak: It has maintained the #1 spot for two consecutive weekends, beating out several international titles.
- Opening Record: The movie set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing Easter opening in Nigerian history, pulling in ₦104.8 million in its first three days alone.
2. Why the “Gist” is So Loud
The film’s success isn’t just about the money; it’s about the “star power” and the drama surrounding it:
- The Cast: Iyabo Ojo pulled out all the stops, featuring a heavyweight ensemble including Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, and Uzor Arukwe.
- The Premiere Drama: The film’s launch went viral after a “cold” moment between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham was caught on camera, sparking a week-long debate on social media about “Nollywood rivalries.”
- Cross-Border Appeal: Filmed across Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana, the movie is being praised for its high production quality and “Pan-African” scope, which has helped it pack cinemas in Accra and Dar es Salaam as well.
3. The Story: A “Slow-Burn” Crime Thriller
- The Plot: Revisiting the character of Arinzo from the 2013 original, the sequel follows a figure long believed to be dead who returns to settle old scores.
- The Vibe: Critics are calling it a “calculated slow-burn” that leans into political intrigue and family betrayal. It’s currently holding a solid 7/10 rating on most Nollywood review sites
