‘Grandpa Must Obey’ is Nollywood’s newest reminder that some of the most powerful stories begin at home. Directed by Chibuzor Afurobi, it steps into the often-overlooked territory of family-focused storytelling. Romantic comedies, thrillers, prestige dramas, and action titles dominate the mainstream, leaving parents with limited local options they can enjoy with their children. ‘Grandpa Must Obey’ steps into this gap by offering a warm, chaotic, emotionally layered film designed for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment and produced by Trino Motion follows, the film follows Mr Okafor, a widower whose quiet life is upended when he finds himself unexpectedly responsible for his spirited grandchildren. Their mischief becomes both a nuisance and a lifeline, pulling him out of the emotional fog he’s carried since losing his wife. It stars Kanayo O. Kanayo, Bimbo Akintola, Yvonne Jegede, Darasimi Nadi, Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga, and Brutus Richard.
According to co-producer Nathaniel Udoh, the decision was intentional. “We needed to create something different from our past offerings,” he stated. “We wanted a family film, something the kids and the parents can come together to watch, especially during festive or holiday periods.” While Nigeria has a massive youth population, the industry hasn’t consistently produced content tailored to children and families. “There is a very large market for children,” he explains. “At our test screening, the kids really enjoyed it. That convinced us we chose the right story to tell.”
Beneath the antics, ‘Grandpa Must Obey’ treats grief with sincerity. Mr Okafor is a man still hurting, still coping, still trying to navigate life without his wife. Udoh emphasises that this theme came from a very real place: “Grief is a serious topic. People don’t let go of hurt easily. Everyone copes differently, sometimes with vices. After you lose someone, people gather around at first, but eventually, you’re left alone with it.” Udoh notes. The children, in their innocent chaos, become the unexpected bridge between his past pain and the possibility of emotional renewal.
In a country where school halls, communities, and homes are filled with children, ‘Grandpa Must Obey’ responds to a genuine cultural need. Family films allow Nigerian children to see themselves reflected in local stories, give parents a safe and joyful viewing experience, and create room for meaningful conversations, especially about topics like loss, emotional expression and forgiveness.
‘Grandpa Must Obey’ represents what Nollywood has been missing: a film that allows parents and children to laugh together, reflect together, and feel seen together. It embraces the chaos and charm of Nigerian family life while also addressing themes many households struggle to articulate. Udoh distils the heart of the film into three simple words: “forgiveness, family, and humour”. That combination is precisely what makes it feel both timely and necessary.
By centring a grandfather, his grief, and two children who refuse to let him disappear into it, ‘Grandpa Must Obey’ grounds its story in a reality many Nigerian families understand. If Nollywood is serious about reflecting the full spectrum of Nigerian experiences, films like this must become more than occasional experiments; they should be part of the industry’s mainstay.
