Browsing: Lowbudget

CHENNAI: A low-budget Chinese animated film, Niu Lai, has reportedly earned around 20,000 times its production budget, around Rs 40 crore, surpassing the previous record held by Obsession in the category of highest-grossing film made on a low budget, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

A robot with the head of Niu Lai, a character from a Chinese animated film Niu Lai, stands on the ground of an exhibition hall during the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing

Why Is Niu Lai Trending? Low-Budget Chinese Animated Movie With No Publicity Turns Into A Box Office Hit (Photo: Film Poster)

ARTS / FILM Low-budget ‘Niu Lai’ emerges as a surprise hit with its ‘disaster-level’ animation, grabbing millions in China as curiosity rivals Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

The last few weeks have been an extraordinary time for cinema – with a pair of indie horrors by Gen Z directors making massive profits, while traditional blockbusters have flopped. It could be the start of a new era.

ARTS / CULTURE & LEISURE Why can a low-budget film without big stars become a major hit in China?

A horror movie made for less than $1 million has raked in more than $400 million at the box office, making it the most profitable film of all time based on return on investment.