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"Secret Superstar", Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan's latest movie, has raked in 312 million yuan (over 49 million US dollars) since it was released in Chinese theaters on January 19, according to box office data provider Maoyan on Monday. It eclipsed Hollywood blockbusters that have long been fan favorites among Chinese moviegoers, building on the success of Khan's previous hit "Dangal" and the appeal of the plot line.
The musical drama is the coming-of-age story of a 14-year-old Muslim girl who aspires to become a singer, but has to deal with her abusive father who does not approve of her dream.
"Secret Superstar" is the second-highest grossing Indian film in China after "Dangal”, which was the highest rated foreign movie in 2017 according to Douban, a Chinese website similar to IMBd.
Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan also stars in "Secret Superstar".
Both films are produced by Aamir Khan, and both take a strong feminist stance.
Khan has achieved an overnight success in China and his name is now on the lips of moviegoers in the country. He is even referred to as the "Indian conscience" since most of his films reflect social issues such as poverty, education, discrimination, and domestic violence.
When asked about the reason of his popularity in China, Khan said it is probably because Chinese and Indian people share common values. For example, both of Khan's films portray parents sacrificing their entire life to support their children – a concept that resonates well with the Chinese audience.
Still image from Aamir Khan's "Dangal".
In light of diplomatic frictions following last year's Donglan standoff, it seems like Khan's movies have allowed people in both countries to realize that they have more in common than they originally thought, and helped them better understand each other.
“The more the two countries understand each other, the better they can dovetail their development plans and cooperate and coordinate to bring benefit to their peoples. China and India need Aamir Khan films and more," an article ran by Xinhua News Agency on Khan read – and this can't be any truer.
(CGTN)
