As the second week of the Malaysian Chinese New Year movie season unfolds, the box office battle is heating up! As of March 1st, the Chinese martial arts epic “The Escort: Wind Rises in the Desert” has heroically broken through the 10 million ringgit mark, becoming the first Chinese New Year movie in Malaysia this year to surpass 10 million. It has also overtaken the local CNY film “Ah Beng VS Granny Liang”, which is currently at 9.6 million ringgit, to successfully claim the number one spot at the box office!
In the second week of the CNY period, “The Escort” became the first to break the 10 million ringgit mark.
Starring four generations of martial arts superstars—Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Jet Li, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Max Zhang, Chen Lijun, and Yu Shi—“The Escort: Wind Rises in the Desert” has quietly built strong word of mouth since its release. From about 5 million ringgit in the first week, it climbed to 7.6 million ringgit, and has now broken 10 million; the total audience count has surpassed 500,000. The film has sparked heated discussions: “The fight scenes are truly incredible! Yuen Woo-ping + Wu Jing + Nicholas Tse, all real weapons and practical shooting, so intense!” “It’s been ages since I’ve seen such an exhilarating martial arts film.” Positive reviews keep pouring in, continuously boosting box office performance.
“Ah Beng VS Granny Liang”’s Malaysia & Singapore combined box office tracks closely at 13.3 million ringgit.
As for the much-talked-about “Ah Beng VS Granny Liang”, although there was a brief period without official updates on March 2nd leading to speculation, the producers finally released good news that night: the combined box office in Malaysia and Singapore has exceeded 13.3 million ringgit, with cumulative takings in Malaysia at 9.6 million ringgit—just shy of last year’s “A Lifetime Treasure” record of 9.85 million. Singapore contributed 1.23 million Singapore dollars (about 3.7 million ringgit). The film currently ranks second among local CNY films. It’s still screening, and director Jack Lim has called on audiences to keep supporting in hopes of hitting the 10 million ringgit dream soon.
Hong Kong CNY film “King of Night” reports a strong box office, breaking through 8.7 million ringgit.
“Parasitic Bastards,” released by local group Low-Cost this year, has steadily climbed up to 6.3 million ringgit, gradually approaching half of the 12.7 million record set by last year's “Your Business, Not Mine”.
Family-friendly animation “Panda Project: Tribal Adventures” surpassed 5.8 million ringgit and continues to draw family audiences.
Not far behind, Hong Kong CNY film “King of Night,” starring Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng, with Malaysian actresses Liew Zi Yu and Louise Wong, broke 8.7 million ringgit. The Low-Cost team, after last year’s surprise hit, released “Parasitic Bastards” this year, which has steadily climbed to 6.3 million ringgit—slowly nearing half of last year’s “Your Business, Not Mine” (12.7 million). The family feature animation “Panda Project: Tribal Adventures,” featuring Jackie Chan and little panda “Hu Hu,” broke 5.8 million ringgit and continues to draw in family audiences.
“Mom’s Getting Married Again!” stays hot in its second week, officially breaking through the 4 million ringgit mark during the main cast's energetic promotional tour.
In terms of local productions, “Mom’s Getting Married Again!”—directed by Chan Lik Him and starring/produced by Kenneth Chan, Oscar Leung, and Bob Lam—has remained steady since release, officially passing the 4 million ringgit mark in its second week. The main cast have been out in force for promotional events, with Kenneth Chan notably returning to Malaysia to promote despite illness, earning admiration for his professionalism.
Directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, and Yang Mi, “Silent Awakening” surpassed 1 million ringgit at the box office.
On another note, “Silent Awakening,” directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Jackson Yee, Zhu Yilong, Song Jia, Lei Jiayin, and Yang Mi, surpassed 1 million ringgit. Due to a limited number of screenings, box office figures were released for the first time in week two. Its future performance remains to be seen.
The battle for Chinese New Year box office dominance remains fierce in the second week, with many films performing strongly; who will have the last laugh remains to be seen as the box office race continues to unfold.