Nollywood actor Gabriel Afolayan has highlighted the importance of criticism in shaping the growth and excellence of Nigeria’s film industry.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Afolayan stressed that constructive criticism is not just welcome but necessary if Nollywood must continue to evolve and compete globally.

“Criticism is needed. How do we get better if people are not ready to talk about what we are doing? Both the audience and filmmakers have to come together,” he said.

The award-winning actor also expressed confidence in Nollywood’s readiness to explore all genres of filmmaking, including the much-anticipated action movie space.

“Nollywood is ready for everything. Trust me, we just need to keep serving. You don’t know how intelligent people are until you create something that will blow their minds,” he added.

Afolayan further praised Nigerian audiences, noting their sharpness and ability to dissect films across all genres and professions. According to him, “A film doesn’t belong to the filmmaker; they are just instruments the universe uses to put it together. The audience decides whether it is good enough.”

Opinion: Nollywood’s Next Leap Lies in Listening

Gabriel Afolayan’s words carry a refreshing truth: a movie does not fully belong to its creator until it meets its audience. Nollywood, with its immense cultural power and growing global recognition, is at a stage where feedback from viewers could be the compass that directs it toward even higher standards.

Constructive criticism should never be seen as an attack; it is the mirror that shows filmmakers their blind spots. Hollywood and Bollywood did not thrive by ignoring audience reactions — they thrived because they listened, improved, and pushed boundaries. Nollywood must do the same.

More importantly, Afolayan’s belief that Nollywood is ready for every genre — including big-budget action thrillers — is both bold and exciting. Nigerian audiences have proven time and again that their appetite for creativity is vast, sharp, and sophisticated. If filmmakers lean into that hunger, we may soon see Nigerian action blockbusters that can sit comfortably on the global stage.

At its core, Nollywood belongs to its people — the laughter, the critiques, the applause, even the harsh reviews are all signs of a vibrant industry that has its audience invested. And as Gabriel Afolayan rightly points out, growth begins the moment filmmakers start listening, not resisting.