Key facts
- The low-budget Chinese animated film 'Niu Lai' has become a box office success.
- The movie gained popularity after going viral for its poor animation and complicated plot.
- Ticket sales for 'Niu Lai' increased significantly, reaching over 11.4 million yuan.
- Social media users praised the film's 'hand-crafted' animation and linked its name to stock market hopes.
- Cinemas responded to demand by adding screenings, with some staff creating their own posters.
The Chinese animated film 'Niu Lai' has achieved unexpected box office success, grossing over 11.4 million yuan after a slow start. The movie gained significant attention after going viral on social media for its perceived poor animation quality and convoluted plot. Despite initial low sales, soaring demand led cinemas to add screenings, with some staff resorting to drawing their own promotional posters. Social media users have praised the film's 'hand-crafted' style, contrasting it with AI-generated content, and some have linked its name to hopes for a bullish stock market. However, state-owned media outlet Beijing News has warned that cinemas risk damaging viewer trust by continuing to screen films that lower audience expectations.