Veteran Actor Francis Odega Laments Decline in Nollywood Movie Quality

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Odega has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of the Nigerian film industry, asserting that the quality of movies has significantly deteriorated compared to the past. He made these remarks during a recent episode of the Where Is The Lie podcast hosted by Theo Ezenwa, where he reflected on his extensive career and the transformations he has observed in Nollywood over the years.

Odega's Critique of Modern Nollywood Productions

Francis Odega, who describes himself as one of the pioneers of Nollywood, emphasized that films produced during his era were far more memorable and impactful. He criticized many of today's releases for lacking in quality, noting a stark contrast in storytelling and production values. "Back then, one script would give us one unforgettable movie. But now, one script can give you seven bad movies, and that's not right. Nollywood back then is far better than the Nollywood of today," Odega stated during the podcast interview.

He elaborated on his role in the early days of the industry, highlighting that he was among the foundational figures who helped establish Nollywood before it gained widespread recognition. "I was among the people who made Nollywood. When we started, Nollywood was just a phenomenon. Our organisation used to be called Nigerian Actors Guild, NAG, before we later changed it to Actors' Guild Of Nigeria, AGN," he explained. Odega added that Nollywood only came into existence following these early efforts, and he has been actively involved in the movie industry for three decades, reinforcing his status as a key pioneer.

Public Reactions to Odega's Comments

Odega's comments have sparked a wave of reactions online, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and praising the golden era of Nollywood for its superior storylines. Social media users shared their perspectives on the decline in movie quality:

@Diamond_NZETH commented, "Nollywood has lost its core values, actresses are enhancing their bodies and it's mostly about wealth."
@Gozyecowris stated, "I don't know about you I don't watch Nollywood movies it's boring and felt like you are watching same movie all the time."
@MrCute_gh wrote, "He is right Nollywood back then was better and had good storyline than the Nollywood of today cos now when you watch Nollywood is all about skit and one way storyline."
@LemonadesWith reacted, "he is very right! back then we had different genres. today, it's only romance, and the movies and actors are not watchable."
@Nje_baby said, "These days, the Nollywood movies on YouTube are very bad, same storyline, no more suspense, just predictability and so I hardly watch any anymore. With Olu Jacobs, Ugezu J. Ugezu etc, you watched proper movies not these jokes on YouTube!"

Context and Industry Perspectives

In related news, Nollywood filmmaker Kunle Afolayan recently defended his latest film, Anikulapo Series 2: The Ghoul Awakens, against critics. In a video shared on his Instagram page on February 10, 2026, Afolayan addressed both detractors and supporters, explaining that his films are crafted for viewers who appreciate deeper storytelling and intellectual engagement. He noted that not all audiences will understand or enjoy his work, highlighting the diverse preferences within the industry.

This ongoing dialogue underscores the evolving nature of Nollywood, with veteran actors like Francis Odega calling for a return to the foundational values that once made the industry renowned for its compelling narratives and high-quality productions. As the debate continues, it reflects broader concerns about artistic integrity and commercial pressures in contemporary filmmaking.