Compiled by M.IRSYAD, C.ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
DESPITE receiving mixed reviews, Hong Kong comic Stephen Chow’s (pic) new drama Take Me Home earned him more than 30mil yuan (RM19.5mil) after its debut on Douyin, Sin Chew Daily reported.
The micro drama, which features 24 episodes of only five minutes, was viewed more than 31 million times on June 2 – the day it was released.
Some viewers said they enjoyed the short-form drama, but others complained that it fell flat compared to Chow’s earlier works.
“I can’t believe this was directed by Stephen Chow. It was horrible to watch,” one Internet user wrote.
Take Me Home is a story of a trainee lawyer who discovers that her sister has fallen victim to a scam known as “pig butchering” in which the scammer would begin a romantic relationship with the target and then convince the love-struck victim to hand over large sums of money.
Produced by Douyin, the drama was an experiment at producing a new form of short-form content aimed at the TikTok generation.
Chow is a household name in Hong Kong. He is best known for his slapstick humour showcased in blockbusters movies such as Fight Back to School, From Beijing with Love, King of Comedy, Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.> Malaysian singer Gary Chaw has paid tribute to the late Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan, saying that the businessman was a friend and a pillar of support during his darkest days, China Press reported.
He said that he and Ta became close friends when they met during an event in which he was performing.
“He always liked singing and listening to others perform. We became friends after that. His son and I are also close friends,” said Chaw, 45.
He said that he would often attend Ta’s family events.
Ta, 72, the founder and chairman of Waz Lian Group, died on Saturday.
Chaw, who attended the wake on Tuesday, said the businessman’s joyful demeanour was infectious to those around him.
During his tough times, Chaw said that Ta gave him lots of encouragement and advice which helped him grow as a person.
Chaw, who is based in Taiwan, said he was glad to have known Ta during his lifetime and had rushed home after receiving news of his death.
