‘Niu Lai’: The Chinese Animated Film Made on Shoestring Budget That Has Grossed Nearly ₹25 Crore

A Chinese animated film that was initially mocked for its crude animation has turned into one of the most unlikely box office stories of the year. “Niu Lai,” made by filmmaker Xin Yumeng and his mother, Sun Lifang, has grossed RMB 24.41 million, or approximately around ₹25 crore, in China as of August 19, 2026 at noon, according to data from China’s National Film Special Funds Office. 

The film’s production story is almost as unusual as its box office run. “Niu Lai” was made over five years by just two people. Xin Yumeng directed the film, while he and Sun Lifang handled multiple aspects of its creation, including animation, writing and voice work. Chinese reports describe it as a low-budget, independently produced 3D animation.

Some reports have put its production cost at between RMB 1,000 and RMB 1,600, a figure that has been widely circulated but has not been independently confirmed by the filmmakers. 

What Is “Niu Lai” About?

“Niu Lai,” which can be translated as “Here Comes the Ox” or “The Cow Is Coming,” is an 86-minute animated film centred on a newborn calf and a skylark. Their relationship unfolds through an unusual dream sequence, with the story exploring the calf’s growth and his relationship with his family. 

The film was released in China on Aug. 5. It initially attracted almost no attention, earning just RMB 7,705 from 236 viewers during its first 10 days. Its theatrical footprint subsequently shrank dramatically, with the film reportedly playing in only four cinemas by August 14, 2026. Then the internet discovered it.

How Did “Niu Lai” Become a Hit?

Videos highlighting the film’s rough animation, stiff character movements and unusual visual style began spreading on Chinese social media. Some users described the animation as “worse than AI,” while others began sharing memes and jokes about the film. Instead of killing interest, the mockery created curiosity.

Audiences started buying tickets specifically to experience the film everyone was talking about. Screenings increased rapidly, and the box office surged from thousands of yuan to millions. By August 18, the film had crossed RMB 20 million, before reaching RMB 24.41 million by noon on August 19.

The film has also briefly competed for daily box-office attention with major Hollywood releases including “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey,” although it has not overtaken either film in cumulative box office.

What began as an obscure animated film has therefore become a theatrical event powered almost entirely by word of mouth, memes and curiosity. “Niu Lai” did not arrive with a major marketing campaign. Its audience effectively created one for it.