Damilola Bamiloye has recounted the four-year journey behind the return of his father’s classic Christian film, with Mike Bamiloye reprising his iconic role as Isawuru.
Thirty-three years after its original release, Mount Zion Faith Ministries’ classic film “Agbara Nla” has returned in a new version.
The remake, titled “Agbara Nla: The Return”, is scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide on 1 October. Mike Bamiloye will reprise his role as Isawuru, while the new production adapts the original storyline to reflect contemporary realities.
Filmmaker Damilola Bamiloye told Punch on Saturday that he and his brother, Joshua, decided to revisit their father’s classic from the 1990s after discussing the possibility of remaking some of his earlier films.
According to him, the idea took shape about four years ago when the brothers approached their father and proposed revisiting some of his popular stories, with “Agbara Nla” among the films they considered remaking.
Mr Damilola said, “About four years ago, Joshua and I approached my dad (Mike Bamiloye) with the idea of revisiting some of the old stories, particularly Agbara Nla. We were exploring how some of those stories could be retold in a contemporary setting for a new generation. We played out different scenes in our minds and thought it would be an amazing idea. We presented the idea to Dad, but he told us it was not yet the time.
“We respected that decision and left it at that. Fast-forward to last year: I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, Chris, a producer, about the possibilities within God’s kingdom and in filmmaking. Since he had worked on some remakes, I suggested the idea of remaking Agbara Nla.”
He explained that the project was initially only a concept they were considering, but Chris quickly embraced the idea and became convinced that they should move forward with it.
“He said, in essence, “This is it. We have to make it again.” I explained to him that Joshua and I had previously approached our dad about the idea, but he had told us it was not yet the time. However, Chris believed that the timing had changed and that the project could work.”
According to Damilola, they took time to pray about the project, consulted a few friends and eventually met with their father to discuss their plans.
He said their father did not object to the production this time, as he had done about four years ago, but instead gave them his blessing to continue.
“By the grace of God, the idea eventually became a film. Looking back, the entire process of making ‘Agbara Nla: The Return’ feels almost like a dream. Everything seemed to unfold according to God’s plan. We shot the film in about 20 to 21 days, and after that, things continued to fall into place.
“Looking back now, I believe that if we had made the film when we initially wanted to, it might not have had the same level of impact. When dad told us four years ago that it was not yet time, it was simply because it was not yet time. In retrospect, we can see that the timing was part of God’s plan”, Damilola noted.
Damilola said the remake retained the original film’s full storyline, with all the major characters returning in the new production. He added that the narrative had been reproduced from beginning to end.
He explained that the original “Agbara Nla” reflected the culture and interests of its generation, while the remake was adapted to connect with today’s audience and realities.
He said, “So, we are bringing the same story but presenting it in a modernised way. The story remains the same, but it has been adapted to reflect contemporary realities. Most importantly, we believe the same degree of spiritual power is present in this new production.
“In fact, when the cast and crew watched the completed film, we could feel the power of God emanating from the screen and impacting everyone. Agbara Nla is not just a story; it is God’s word. The beauty of God’s word is that it is everlasting. Its impact remains relevant across generations. Just like the Bible, which was relevant in the past and remains relevant today, God’s word does not fade away or expire.”
He explained that the film portrays biblical principles and reflects the power of God, making its message as relevant today as it was when the original was released.
Damilola said the remake retained the key elements that defined the original film, including its focus on spiritual warfare, noting that human existence involves more than what is physically visible.
He also described his father’s return to the role of Isawuru as an emotional experience. Damilola recalled that he was only four years old when his father first portrayed the character in 1993.
“I watched the film, loved it and went back home trying to imitate everything he did. I remember gathering my siblings and reenacting some of the scenes from the original film. I would play Isawuru, pick up a leaf and recite some of the incantations, even though I would often get the words completely wrong.
“I also remember watching my dad do his own make-up. He would apply makeup himself and powder his hair to make himself look older. Now, seeing him step into the same character without using powder or makeup to appear older, but instead playing Isawuru at his actual age, is remarkable. Back then, he was trying to portray a man in his 50s or 60s. Now, he is 60, so he was able to step into the character naturally and bring a different depth to it.”
