Call of My Life Breaks 600 Million Box-Office Barrier, Becomes 2026s Top Nollywood Film
The film’s run has been remarkable. It opened with a first‑weekend gross of ₦76.5 million and has remained the number‑one title in Nigerian cinemas for six consecutive weekends. Over the weekend of 19–21 June, it added ₦32.6 million to its total, pushing the cumulative earnings past the ₦600 million mark. These numbers place the movie as the highest‑grossing Nollywood film of 2026 to date.
"Call of My Life" is the feature‑directing debut of Dammy Twitch, a music‑video director known for work with artists such as Davido. The film follows Soluchi, played by Uzoamaka Power, a woman healing from heartbreak who meets a charming co‑worker named Eli after a routine work call. The cast includes veterans Nkem Owoh and Patience Ozokwo, comedian Broda Shaggi, and live performances by singers Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo.
FilmOne Entertainment, which distributed the movie, reports that the film now ranks as the seventh‑highest‑grossing Nollywood release in the West African market. The distributor’s statement highlights the film’s sustained box‑office performance and its appeal to audiences beyond the typical December holiday surge.
Nollywood’s box‑office landscape has traditionally been dominated by releases that arrive during the December holiday season, when families flock to cinemas. The success of "Call of My Life" demonstrates that a well‑received local story can maintain audience interest throughout the year. Industry observers note that the film’s steady run signals a maturing market in which Nigerian viewers are willing to pay repeatedly for quality local productions.
The achievement also reflects broader shifts in Nollywood’s production and distribution model. While the industry has long been prolific in volume, many titles are produced for television or streaming platforms. In recent years, distributors such as FilmOne have invested in modern multiplexes, and streaming services like Netflix have begun commissioning Nigerian originals. A mid‑year cinema hit of this magnitude provides tangible evidence that local stories can translate into robust theatrical revenue, giving producers leverage in negotiations for future projects.
The film’s performance comes at a time when Nigerian culture is gaining global visibility. Afrobeats tracks dominate international playlists, Nigerian actors appear in overseas productions, and streaming platforms actively seek Nollywood content. Strong domestic box‑office results reinforce the commercial viability of Nigerian films and may encourage further investment in higher‑budget productions aimed at both local and diaspora audiences.
While "Call of My Life" currently holds the top spot, other releases are climbing the charts. For example, "Iwe Ala: An Ojude Oba Story" has begun to gain traction, but the romantic comedy remains the benchmark for 2026. The film’s success also sets a new standard for future releases, suggesting that sustained audience engagement can be achieved without reliance on holiday timing.
In summary, "Call of My Life" has become the first Nollywood film to surpass ₦600 million outside December, the highest‑grossing Nigerian title of 2026, and the seventh‑highest‑grossing Nollywood film in West Africa. Its six‑week reign at the top of the box‑office charts underscores the growing confidence of Nigerian audiences in locally produced romantic comedies. As the industry continues to evolve, the film’s performance may influence distribution strategies, production budgets, and the broader perception of Nollywood’s commercial potential both domestically and internationally.