Actor Shen Teng plays a psychological doctor in the film Warm Hug. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Warm Hug, an upcoming Chinese remake of the 2014 South Korean comedy The Plan Man, has gathered some of the country's most popular comedians, with an attempt to tickle the funny bones of domestic audiences at the close of this year.

As of Dec 28, the film -- set to open on Dec 31 -- has obtained 42.6 million yuan (6.52 million) in presales, making it one of the most anticipated films in the New Year box office season.

As actor-turned filmmaker Chang Yuan's directorial debut, the film Warm Hug which also casts actress Li Qin will open on the last day of 2020. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As the directorial feature debut of Chang Yuan, a crosstalk performer-turned-actor who shot to fame through the 2015 sleeper hit Goodbye Mr Loser, the new movie casts actress Li Qin in her first role in a silver-screen comedy.

The movie also reunites the renowned comedians Shen Teng and Ma Li, who have accumulated national popularity thanks to a series of blockbusters they starred in together, from the 2015 sleeper hit Goodbye Mr Loser to one tale of the 2020 five-tale anthology My People My Homeland.

Major cast members of the upcoming comedy Warm Hug, which is set to open on Dec 31. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In the new movie, Chang plays a piano teacher struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder. Haunted by the belief that he is a loser incapable of winning others' attention, the depressed teacher makes a detailed suicide plan which accurately times everything, from jumping off a high building to getting his "corpse" transported by a funeral hearse.

Interestingly, his plan is disturbed by a musician played by actress Li, who not only reignites his passion for life but also persuades him to join her as a duo to contend for a television singing contest.

Warm Hug marks the first comedy film for actress Li Qin. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Most of the major actors gathered to promote the film at the Beijing premiere in a local cinema on Dec 27. Chang, who has spent three years polishing the script, revealed that his main impetus to direct this feature was that he felt the main character was quite relatable.

"It's a heartwarming tale which features a well-rounded character who promotes positive messages about the value of life while also arousing some deeper thoughts. We wish the film will bring warmth to audiences to bid farewell to this unusual year," said Chang at the premiere.