Veteran Nollywood actor Charles Awurum believes today’s comedy films are making people laugh but failing to leave a lasting impression.
The actor, who built his career during Nollywood’s golden era, says older comedy productions entertained audiences while delivering meaningful lessons.
In contrast, he argues that many modern productions focus on attracting attention rather than telling memorable stories.
Speaking in a recent interview, Awurum said classic Nollywood films balanced humour with messages about family, society and everyday life.
The old comedies had deeper messages than what we see today.
According to the actor, filmmakers from his generation wanted audiences to leave the cinema with more than laughter. Every joke, he said, served a purpose within the story.
Awurum believes social media has changed the industry, encouraging many producers to chase viral moments instead of creating timeless films that people will remember years later.
Despite his criticism, the veteran actor welcomed the growth of Nigeria’s film industry and praised younger filmmakers for improving production quality. He, however, challenged them to combine technical excellence with stronger storytelling.
For Awurum, the best comedy does more than entertain. It leaves audiences laughing, thinking and remembering the lesson long after the credits roll.