"Monster Hunt,” the Chinese fantasy by ‘Shrek’ creator Raman Hui, has become the fastest Chinese movie to score RMB1 billion.
Distributor Edko reported that the film had grossed RMB1.05 billion ($169 million) in eight days of release. Local box office service Entgroup reports the figure at $172 million.
Edko said that puts it on track to become the highest grossing Chinese film of all time. The record currently stand at $197 million for 2013’s “Journey To The West: Conquering The Demons.”
The live action-VFX hybrid film is presented in 3D. The story is set in a world where humans and monsters battle to rule the land. It follows the birth and adventure of the new monster king Wuba who would ultimately bring balance to both worlds.
Entgroup data puts “Pancake Man” in second place with another huge total, of $114 million after seven days in theaters.
"Monkey King: Hero Is Back” is poised to be the biggest animation of any nationality at the Chinese box office. Currently third in the chart, it stands on a cumulative gross of $94 million after 14 days of release.