Veteran actor speaks out on the decline of film quality and creative discipline in Nigeria’s movie industry.
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Odega has raised concern about what he described as the decline of Nigeria’s Nollywood, saying the industry “has lost its soul” in a statement made on March 4, 2026.
Odega spoke during a recent episode of the Where Is The Lie podcast, hosted by media personality Theo Ezenwa, where he discussed the creative and technical state of modern Nigerian filmmaking.
He said, “Back then, one script would give us one unforgettable movie.”
“But now, one script can give you seven bad movies, and that is not right.”
The Delta State-born actor, whose career began in 1996, emphasized, “Nollywood back then was far better than the Nollywood of today.”
“The discipline and creativity we had cannot be compared with what is happening now.”
Odega referenced his early works, including Apama and his role in the Night of a Thousand Laughs comedy series, noting, “We took time to tell stories with depth and heart.”
“That is missing today.”
He added, “While the industry has grown commercially, the focus on quantity over quality has robbed many films of their soul and lasting impact.”
The actor, who has appeared in more than 150 films and won awards including Best Comic Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, sparked discussions among fans and film enthusiasts online.
Social media reactions to his comments ranged from agreement, recalling the classic Nollywood era, to counterarguments suggesting the industry is simply evolving to meet global demands.
Odega’s statement contributes a veteran perspective to ongoing debates about the direction of Nigerian cinema, highlighting the tension between tradition, commercial pressures, and the pursuit of international standards in filmmaking.