Comic relief: A scene from Co Dau Dai Chien, a new movie from Galaxy Studio and Saiga Film, will screen tonight and run during Tet. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

HCM CITY (VNS)  — As in previous years, filmmakers in HCM City are releasing comedies to lure moviegoers to cinemas this Tet (Lunar New Year).

Galaxy Studio, one of the country's leading private film companies, in co-operation with Saiga Film, will screen its comedy Co Dau Dai Chien ( Bride Wars) tonight, two weeks before Tet.

Directed by Vietnamese-American talent Victor Vu, who is one of the film's scriptwriters along with Doan Nhat Nam, the film promises to appeal to both young audiences and adults.

Co Dau Dai Chien tells the story of three beautiful women, played by Le Khanh, Van Trang and Lan Phuong, who face challenges in finding their true love.

Young actresses Maya and Yu Duong also feature in the film.

"My film features comedy, exciting action and serious issues like love and life," said Vu, whose first blockbuster, the 2012 Thien Menh Anh Hung (Blood Letter), won the 2013 Golden Kite Award for best movie and best director from the Viet Nam Cinematography Association.

Thien Menh Anh Hung made a record VND2.5 billion (more than US$100,000) in daily ticket sales last year during Tet.

Galaxy hopes this Tet Vu's Co Dau Dai Chien will repeat its success.

Director Do Mai Nhat Tuan's Cuoi Chay ( Marry Me Soon) is a full-length comedy produced by the Korean group Lotte Cinema and its Vietnamese partner Hoang Than Tai.

The film features famous comic actress Viet Huong.

The producers said they had retained their style because comedies were a perennial favourite with audiences, even more so during the festive season.

Another comedy, Nam Sau Con Lai Ve ( I Will Come Back Home Next Year), made by newcomer Song Vang Studio, is also in the offing. It focuses on rural life.

The film's director Ngoc Giau invited Hoai Linh, the region's most famous comedian, to act in his work.

"Hoai Linh is a talented actor. His fans will guarantee my film's success," said Giau, who has the reputation of making quality comedies.

Young director Le Quang Hung's Hai Lua (Mr Hai Lua) will be released on Saturday.

Produced by Cinebox, the film has plenty of visual and sound effects.

With its young and attractive cast, including Phuong My Chi, the runner-up of the Voice Kids Viet Nam 2013, Tran Thanh and Thuy Nga, the film is expected to be a draw with young audiences.

Mat Vang Studio has taken a more adventurous turn by releasing its supernatural work, Cuoc Chien Voi Chan Tinh (Fighting with Grouchy), a week before Tet.

The film's young director Do Quang Hai Au signed up dozens of make-up artists and fashion designers for the film.

"I think young audiences will identify with my story," said Au.

His film is the only one expected to buck the trend of the holiday season which is invariably dominated by comedies.

The Tet holiday begins on January 31. — VNS