Andy Lau makes all the right moves at premiere of kung fu comedy

Although he's not appearing in Gallants, the kung fu comedy movie, Andy Lau Tak-wah is working hard to promote it. After all, he's the major backer, having invested HK$7 million in the production by up-and-coming filmmakers Derek Kwok Tsz-kin and Clement Cheng Sze-kit.

Lau told fans attending its premiere at Kwun Tong's apm mall at the weekend that he would appear in another film for free if Gallants grossed more HK$6 million in Hong Kong.

'Let me hear your screaming in the cinema,' the 48-year-old urged the crowds that poured in to support their idol. Before the screening, cast members, including Chan Koon-tai and Teddy Robin Kwan Wai-pang, showed off their kicks while MC Jin rapped a few lines.

Lau seemed concerned that Gallants, the story of a group of has-been martial artists who try to revive their kung fu school, might struggle to recover its costs. Not only is it an offbeat tribute to old martial arts movies made by a pair of emerging directors, the cast lacks screen idols.

'Seriously, I think the chance of grossing HK$6 million in Hong Kong is pretty slim. I'm hoping [to get] HK$3 million in Hong Kong and maybe another HK$3 million on the mainland,' he said.

The film, which opens on Thursday, faces stiff competition, but Lau takes it philosophically.