Low‑budget animation ‘Niu Lai’ soars to 11.4 million yuan after viral backlash

Low-budget animation ‘Niu Lai’ soars to 11.4 million yuan after viral backlash

Niu Lai, a low-budget animated film about a dreaming cow, earned just 7,705 yuan in its first 10 days of release but has since surged to more than 11.4 million yuan as social media users shared clips and commentary that turned the film into a viral phenomenon, according to movie tracking site Mao Yan.

The production attracted attention for its unconventional plot and rudimentary animation. Viewers on platforms such as Weibo described the film as “hand-crafted” and praised its apparent lack of AI involvement, while others shared ironic endorsements that boosted public interest.

Cinemas responded to rising demand by adding screenings, increasing the film’s box office ahead of several major studio releases including The Odyssey and Spider Man: Brand New Day. A dedicated Weibo account tracking box office figures described the film’s performance as unprecedented.

Not all reactions were positive: state-owned Beijing News published a commentary warning that renewed screenings of Niu Lai risk lowering standards and eroding audience trust, arguing the film “once again lowered the bar for audiences’ expectations of poorly made films” and urging cinemas to act as gatekeepers by rejecting films that are clearly below standard.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Based solely on statements in the source text, the social media-driven attention transformed a low-profile, low-budget release into a commercial success, with audience reactions ranging from ironic praise to concerns from a state-owned outlet about industry standards.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Niu Lai grossed 7,705 yuan in its first 10 days and has exceeded 11.4 million yuan, per Mao Yan.
• Social media users praised the film’s “hand-crafted” quality and circulated clips that drove demand.
• State-owned Beijing News cautioned cinemas against lowering standards by screening the film widely.