Funke Akindele returns to the big screen with ‘Behind The Scenes’, a drama that explores the cost of generosity. Produced by Akindele and directed by Tunde Olaoye and Akindele herself, the film follows Deronke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran—a successful real-estate mogul and mother of two whose love and kindness have become her signature. But as people around her grow accustomed to receiving, she gives until there is nothing left for herself.
Headlined by Funke Akindele, the film features an impressive ensemble: Tobi Bakre, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Iyabo Ojo, Fausat Balogun, Scarlet Gomez, Destiny Etiko, Ini Dima-Okojie, Uche Montana, Hafiz Oyetoro, Veeiye, Kamo State, Handi Danbaki, Wanni Danbaki, and Ejiro Onojaife.
While ‘Behind the Scenes’ explores what happens when the spotlight dims, the cast also spoke about their own private routines, grounding practices, and emotional truths that keep them steady when the curtains close.
Tobi Bakre, who sees filmmaking as a calling, described the entire project—from set to marketing—as transformative. “The energy on set, the professionalism – it was a 360 experience,” he said. Even after the cameras stopped rolling, the film stayed with him. “I saw the finished product for the first time a few days ago. It’s one of my favourite films regardless of whether I’m in it or not.”
When asked what keeps him grounded behind the scenes, Bakre’s answer was simple and sincere: family. “Be happier, be more fulfilled, live healthier, spend more time with family,” he said. “I love good stories, but I love my family more.” And in his signature warm style, he sent a message to them: “Baby, you know I love you… I’m here for you guys 100%.”
Uche Montana, whose fan base has grown rapidly, shared that working with Akindele was a masterclass. “Being on set with her is a different ballgame,” she said. “Her passion, her seriousness, her creative process – she’s exceptional.” But for Montana, staying centred happens off camera. “Behind the scenes, I take care of my mental health. I take care of my inner self. It’s not just about showing up. You have to genuinely be okay at home.”
She added with refreshing honesty that her grounding also comes from small lifestyle adjustments: “I literally cut off carbs. It makes me feel good, more energetic.” And to her supporters, she offered heartfelt gratitude: “I didn’t even know when things changed. Thank you for rooting for me. I love you guys so much.”
Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (KieKie), ever vibrant and sharp, spoke about balancing her many roles—host, actor and creator—with grace and realism. “I’m fully aware of my capacity,” she said. “I wake up and ask: what am I doing today? I just commit everything into God’s hands.” Her anchoring force, she emphasised, is divine consistency. “It’s just the grace of God. He has been gracious.” She also shared warm words for Akindele: “Your creativity inspires us all. I pray your well of wisdom will never run dry.”
Finally, Ejiro Onojaife, who plays Annabelle, a prosthetics artist and art director in the film, closed the loop with her own journey of gratitude and growth. She still remembers the shock of being cast. “They said Aunty Funke wants to cast you,” I said. “Eh? Are you for real?’” Reading the script sealed her excitement. “The character, the story, and Aunty Funke.”
For Onojaife, staying grounded behind the scenes means recognising how far she’s come. “I’m not where I was two years ago or three years ago, Hallelujah,” she mused. “There’s so much more for me to do, so many stories to explore. I’m really excited about the future.”
In the end, ‘Behind the Scenes’ is more than a film title; it is a theme that threads through every actor’s life and every story they shared. It celebrates the unseen effort, the emotional labour, the inner battles, the faith, the family, the routines, the growth, and the resilience that sustain them when the lights dim.
