Femi Adebayo’s Yoruba-language epic “Agesinkole 2 (King of Thieves)” has recorded an outstanding box office performance, grossing N417 million in just 12 days from cinemas across Nigeria’s Southwest, marking one of the most unconventional and headline-grabbing theatrical runs in Nollywood history.
Also known as “King of Thieves 2,” the sequel achieved this milestone through a community cinema rollout, a first-of-its-kind distribution strategy for a major Nollywood title.
The film was screened across six Southwest states, relying on localized exhibition hubs rather than the traditional multiplex-heavy release pattern that dominates the Nigerian market.
Industry observers are calling the success a proof-of-concept for alternative theatrical distribution in the region.
Promoted as the first Nollywood film to open widely in community cinemas, Agesinkole 2 also establishes Adebayo as the first filmmaker to successfully execute this distribution model at scale. Ticket pricing ranged between N3,000 and N4,000, demonstrating the film’s mass-market appeal while delivering blockbuster-level returns.
Released on Dec 23, 2025, the film continues the saga of the feared bandit-king Agesinkole, exploring themes of power, bloodlines, legacy, and reckoning. The sequel reunites a star-studded cast led by Femi Adebayo, alongside Odunlade Adekola and Kunle Afod, expanding the mythology introduced in the original King of Thieves, which became both a cultural and commercial landmark.
Produced by Euphoria360 Media, Agesinkole 2 was distributed through Circuits, with Blue Pictures providing distribution support. Marketing heavily leveraged grassroots engagement, positioning the project not just as a film release but as a cultural moment.
Femi Adebayo’s recent box office success builds on a series of industry recognitions that have steadily elevated his profile as one of Nollywood’s most bankable Yoruba-language filmmakers. At the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on May 10, 2025, Adebayo emerged as a standout winner with Seven Doors, which clinched Best Music Score, Best Lead Actor, and Best Lead Actress — a testament to the growing critical and commercial weight of indigenous-language storytelling.
Beyond awards, Adebayo has been listed among top Nigerian producers to collaborate with Netflix, part of the streamer’s over $23 million investment in Nigeria over eight years. Trained as a lawyer, Adebayo is a multifaceted actor, producer, and director, and a four-time Best Yoruba Actor winner at the Afro Hollywood Awards in London, in addition to earlier accolades at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
The first King of Thieves franchise pre-production spanned over a year, assembling a large ensemble cast. Produced by Euphoria360 Media with Anthill Studios and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the original film had a budget exceeding N100 million. Released in April 2022, it grossed over N320 million, ranking among Nigeria’s highest-grossing films that year and paving the way for the sequel’s bold rollout.