Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has confirmed that a sequel to his 1999 classic “Saworoide” is in development but it won’t move forward unless his latest film, “Cordelia,” performs well at the box office.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Kelani revealed that two drafts of “Saworoide 2” have already been completed. However, funding remains uncertain.
“What we are concerned with now is ‘Cordelia’ getting good box office returns,” he said. “That will push us to start serious work on ‘Saworoide.’”
Released in 1999, “Saworoide” is widely regarded as one of the most influential political films in Nigerian cinema, known for its sharp critique of power, corruption, and cultural erosion. Fans have long speculated about a sequel, especially with the film’s themes still resonating today.
“Cordelia,” adapted from a novella by Professor Femi Osofisan, opened in Nigerian cinemas on July 18. The film took three years to complete and involved a complex international collaboration with the University of Delaware, including a live orchestral performance and post-production work by Grammy-nominated engineer Andrew Mayer.
It also required rare cooperation from the Nigerian Army to depict its military setting, adding further delays and logistical hurdles to the process.
For now, the fate of “Saworoide 2” remains tied to audience support. “If they go and watch ‘Cordelia,’ they’re indirectly helping us move to the next one,” Kelani said.