Hong Kong production Marry A Rich Man took pole position at the local box office over the competitive Chinese New Year holiday period, grossing $1.53m from 31 screens (Feb 8-14) and beating Monsters, Inc. to the top spot.

The romantic comedy, produced by Hong Kong start-up SML, was released on Feb 7 in five Chinese-speaking territories to coincide with the New Year holiday celebrations (Feb 12-14).

In Malaysia, it came in second behind Collateral Damage with $243,000 from 35 screens (Feb 7-14). In Singapore it took third position over the same period with $316,200 from 31 screens.

The film, which stars popular local actors Sammi Chen and Richie Ren, also opened on a limited number of screens in China and Taiwan.

However, Marry A Rich Man didn't outstrip last year's stop Chinese New Year movie in Hong Kong, Jackie Chan vehicle The Accidental Spy, which grossed $1.78m in its opening week. Both films are Golden Harvest releases.