Rotimi Salami urges Nigerians to support his new film Kilanko after low box office performance during its opening weekend

Actor and producer Rotimi Salami has voiced concern over the cinema performance of his latest film, Kilanko, following a disappointing opening weekend.

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In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Salami revealed that ticket sales for the indigenous drama were lower than expected.

“I am making this post with a heavy heart. KILANKO sales at the cinemas last weekend wasn’t good. That’s why I couldn’t post throughout yesterday,” he wrote.

The actor-producer thanked fans who attended meet-and-greet sessions and cinema screenings but urged greater public support to ensure the film remains in theatres beyond the first week.

“If KILANKO doesn’t make the expected figure by this weekend, it might be kicked out of the cinemas even before Ramadan is over. Please, we need all the support to get to a retainable figure. KILANKO is sure a beautiful movie that everyone must see,” he added.

Directed by the late actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola, Kilanko was one of her final projects before her death in December 2025.

The film premiered on March 1 and began its nationwide cinema run on March 6.

The story explores family and spiritual themes, centring on a mysterious child whose presence profoundly affects those around him.

The cast includes Ibrahim Chatta, Saheed Balogun, Tina Mba, Hafiz Oyetoro, Biola Adebayo, and Rotimi Salami himself.

Kilanko faced stiff competition at the box office, opening the same weekend as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s Mother’s Love and Laju Iren’s Onobiren, which both attracted significant cinema audiences.

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Salami’s appeal underscores the challenges Nollywood filmmakers face in sustaining audience numbers amid multiple releases, even for highly anticipated productions.