BERLIN • A "monster" has been unleashed at the Berlin Film Festival, but humans need not run away in fear.

Unveiling the sequel of Monster Hunt - China's biggest box-office smash in 2015 when the first movie opened - over the weekend, director Raman Hui said: "The core of the story is about love and family. Even though we have a different culture and different customs, we share the same values."

He added that his film was timely because it was about tolerance and acceptance where even humans and monsters could live together, no doubt referencing a growing sentiment among many in the world to be insular and non-inclusive.

Starring Asian A-listers Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Bai Baihe, the film follows the journey of a young couple in search of their son "Wuba", a friendly monster baby capable of bringing eternal peace between humans and monsters.

"Even a kid in Berlin, if he sees this film, can understand it," Hui said.

In China, Monster Hunt 2 was released last Friday, the first day of Chinese New Year. It took in US$85 million (S$111.5 million), creating the biggest single-day ticket-sale record in the country. In 2015, Monster Hunt earned US$380 million domestically.

REUTERS