MUMBAI: The Chinese film industry’s performance in the bygone year was good when it raked in $ 2.07 billion (13.1 billion yuan) at the box office, an increase of 28.93 per cent from that of 2010.

Film studios in China produced 791 films in various genres taking in $1.11 billion (7.03 billion yuan) at the box office, accounting for 53.6 per cent of total ticket sales.

Most small-budget films didn‘t even hit the silver screens. The country added 803 cinemas in 2011 at a daily average of 8.3 new
screens.

Domestic production of blockbusters has become more mature in the country with remarkable improvements in quality. For example there was The Flowers of War, directed by Zhang Yimou. The film has already grossed over $88.69 million (560 million yuan) in less than a month after its release.

Notably, various blockbusters continued using the old formula: Ancient Chinese legend, big-name movie stars, Kung Fu elements and grand battle scenes. Films like It‘s Love, Mural, The Lost Bladesman and White Vengeance all passed the $23.7 million (150 million yuan) mark at the box office.

On the negative side, some critically acclaimed films like Kuiba, The Piano in a Factory and Return Ticket did poorly at the box office. Though the films in mention had won praises and even awards, many filmgoers were not even aware of them due to poor marketing.