Searching for the formula for films

Aamir Khan, Indian actor [Photo provided to China Daily]

Aamir Khan, a top Indian actor known to Chinese fans for his hit film 3 Idiots, says: "A good character and a good story can help you cross borders."

Khan, who has brought his box-office hit Dangal to China, says he does not look at the market when he is searching for a story. He follows his heart and immerses himself in a script that arouses his interest.

He says that Chinese and Indian filmmakers share a similarity when it comes to culture, which means both sides can learn from each other.

Chen Kaige, a top Chinese director, likens coproductions to a marriage.

"A coproduction is like getting married. If both sides fall in love with each other, both sides will contribute good ideas," says the award-wining director.

Chen is now working on the fantasy epic Yao Mao Zhuan (Legend of a Cat Demon) based on the Japanese best-seller Samon Kukai.