In recent years, Chow's runaway hits, such as Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons and The Mermaid, have featured big stars. But his latest film has a much lower-profile cast and is also among the shortest films for the competitive Spring Festival holiday season. Chow says he wants to give youngsters more opportunities.

"I was once an unknown actor who just wanted to convey a message through cinema," Chow says, adding that he hopes his new film will be inspirational for young people.

"Besides, in my eyes, there is no so-called minor role in a film. Every character is useful and significant to make an interesting story."

Chow expresses his admiration of those who are passionate and professional, exemplified by his highlighting of Zhou Yunshu, who plays a middle-aged, goosy assistant of Wang's character. Zhou's character speaks just one line in the movie but she shot her scenes with many others from the cast and crew for over two months.

For Wang, who shot to prominence with director Feng Xiaogang's blockbuster, A World Without Thieves in 2004, Chow's latest film is reminiscent of his early tough days in Beijing. The native of rural Hebei province began to practice martial arts at age 8 and moved to the Chinese capital to seek jobs as a film and television extra in 2000.

Wang had rented a room in a Beijing slum and woke up at 4 am every day to line up for opportunities outside the Beijing Film Studio-then a landmark location for casting directors to select extras-but was often humiliated because of his accent and looks.

"When I was struggling with my dream, it was Chow's King of Comedy that encouraged me, giving me the strength to carry on," Wang says.

"The new film will be inspirational for those who are striving to achieve their dreams. If you don't surrender to failure, you will finally succeed."