Comedian Wang Baoqiang in his directorial debut Buddies in India. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Some analysts believe the new accounting system adds around 200 million yuan to the box-office figure.

Adding to the already complicated picture when it comes to box-office takings is the problem of faked ticket revenues.

Domestic media outlets report that some Chinese cities found local theaters tinkering with ticket revenues during the festival.

Yu Dong, president of Bona Film Group, says such behavior harms investors.

"Faking revenues is a black mark on China's movie industry," he says, urging the regulator to enhance supervision.

But Jiang Yong, a Beijing-based analyst, strikes a positive note when he says: "The Spring Festival bonanza brings hope."