Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has added her voice to the conversation sparked by Omotola Jalade's revelation that she received only N22 million from her movie A Mother's Love, despite the film grossing N103 million at the box office. In a post on her X page on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Bolaji suggested that the amount did not even cover the cost of the premiere, let alone promotion or production.
Bolaji's Reaction to Omotola's Cinema Earnings
Omotola, who produced the film, shared the earnings breakdown on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, revealing the stark difference between the film's gross revenue and her personal cut. Bolaji, responding the following day, hinted that such financial outcomes are not uncommon in the industry, even as the public rarely acknowledges the struggles filmmakers face behind the scenes.
In her words: "If we start to talk ehn… na cry we go first cry going to the cinema. That 22 million didn't even cover premiere cost nor promotion talk more of the actual film production."
Broader Financial Burdens in Nollywood
Bolaji's comment points to the broader financial burden that producers often carry. Premiere logistics, marketing campaigns, and actual production costs frequently eat into whatever revenue eventually filters back to them from distributors and cinema chains. Her post implies that the N22 million Omotola received is far from a true reflection of the film's success, given the substantial expenses involved in bringing a movie to the big screen.
Social media users quickly reacted to Bolaji's comments. Legit.ng compiled some of the reactions below:
- @AnanaMhiz stated: "I strongly believe that distributors can still go back to the drawing board. Cause what is the essence of investing on a project that would put investors on debt (huge debt). If no reasonable adjustments. Then I'm concerned about the future of cinema in Nigeria."
- @onyecheochuba7 noted: "Honestly whats up with premiere? Is there any need for it? Na just fashion dey happen there. It's just fashion show and movie poster."
Bolaji Ogunmola Addresses Rumours with Daniel Etim-Effiong
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Bolaji Ogunmola addressed public reactions surrounding her romantic movie scenes with actor Daniel Etim-Effiong. The actress explained that many viewers often struggle to separate acting from real life, adding that all the romantic scenes they shared were strictly professional and scripted. Bolaji also stated that Daniel Etim-Effiong's wife understands the nature of acting and never misunderstood their working relationship, stressing that they are not close outside movie sets.
The conversation around Omotola's earnings has highlighted the financial realities of Nollywood filmmaking, with Bolaji's comments adding weight to the growing discourse on the economic challenges producers face despite box office successes.
