Vietnamese comedian, actor, and prominent television presenter Tran Thanh has achieved a milestone as the first Vietnamese director to generate revenue exceeding VND1 trillion (US$40.9 million), as reported by a Vietnamese box office analytics platform.

On Wednesday afternoon, Box Office Vietnam announced that 'Mai,' directed by Tran Thanh, had grossed VND204 billion ($8.3 million), marking the fastest film in Vietnamese cinema history to surpass the VND200-billion ($8.2 million) mark.

Prior to this achievement, Tran Thanh’s two previous movies, 'Bo Gia' (Dad, I’m Sorry) released in 2021 and 'Nha Ba Nu' (The House of No Man) premiered in 2023, garnered revenues of VND427 billion ($17.5 million) and VND475 billion ($19.4 million), respectively. 

Collectively, these three films propelled the 37-year-old figure to become the first Vietnamese director with a cumulative film revenue totaling more than VND1.1 trillion ($45 million), exceeding the VND1-trillion milestone.

'Mai' has been showcased during this year’s Lunar New Year festivities, carrying an 18+ rating. 

With an investment of nearly VND50 billion ($2 million), the film depicts the life of Mai, played by actress Phuong Anh Dao, a massage therapist nearing 40, who serendipitously encounters musician Duong, portrayed by actor Tuan Tran, seven years her junior, initiating a flirtatious dynamic between them.

In addition to the lead actors, the film features a cast of veteran artists and emerging talents.

Despite initially pursuing acting at the University of Theater and Cinema Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Thanh gained prominence as a comic television host, eventually rising to stardom through his comedy. 

Over time, his career has expanded to include acting and film directing.

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