Before starring in Stephen Chow’s blockbuster Kung Fu Soccer, Dilraba Dilmurat found herself at a crossroads in her acting career.

After several underperforming television dramas and years away from the big screen, the Xinjiang-born actress faced growing criticism while fellow actress Yang Zi continued to dominate headlines after winning the Best Actress award at the White Magnolia Awards. However, everything changed with her role as Yu Long in Kung Fu Soccer.

According to QQ, Kung Fu Soccer has become the biggest breakthrough of Dilraba’s film career. The movie achieved remarkable commercial success in a challenging Chinese film market, where female-led blockbusters have become increasingly rare.

More importantly, the film introduced audiences to a different side of Dilraba. Known primarily for romantic dramas, she surprised viewers with her natural comedic timing and energetic performance, earning praise for expanding her acting range. The success has significantly boosted both her reputation and industry standing, with audiences now expressing greater anticipation for her future projects.

Before Kung Fu Soccer, Dilraba’s theatrical film résumé was relatively modest. Her previous leading roles included:

  • Mr. Pride vs. Miss Prejudice – 124 million yuan
  • 21 Karat – 110 million yuan
  • Namiya – 223 million yuan

She also appeared in a supporting role in Fall in Love Like a Star, which earned around 200 million yuan. Combined, her films had generated less than 700 million yuan at the Chinese box office, with her last theatrical release dating back to 2018.

In contrast, Kung Fu Soccer reportedly grossed 800 million yuan within its first four days, with industry projections estimating a final box office exceeding 3 billion yuan a milestone that would easily become the biggest commercial success of Dilraba’s career.

Many fans questioned why Stephen Chow selected Dilraba as the film’s leading actress despite her limited film experience and inconsistent box office track record.

For Chow, however, star power was never the deciding factor. Throughout his career, the legendary filmmaker has built a reputation for discovering overlooked talent and transforming actors into unforgettable screen personalities.

Explaining his decision, Chow praised Dilraba’s natural ability. “Whether it’s action or acting, Dilraba is extremely talented. In reality, she had very little time to train because our filming schedule was tight. Despite that, she adapted immediately after joining the production and completed everything exceptionally well.”

He also highlighted her understated performance style. “Dilraba’s acting never looks forced, but underneath it’s very precise and polished.”

Beyond her acting ability, Stephen Chow commended Dilraba’s professionalism and willingness to push herself. According to the director, she never complained about repeating scenes. “Almost every take surprised me. Many times I’d ask, ‘Can we do one more?’ It wasn’t because she hadn’t done well she already had. I simply believed she could give me something even more special.” Her dedication left a strong impression throughout filming.

Dilraba admitted she initially questioned whether the casting offer was genuine because the project had been kept under strict secrecy. She only believed it after Stephen Chow personally called her to introduce himself and explain the film. “Receiving the invitation felt like a tremendous honor.”

Still, she admitted she was nervous about taking on such a demanding role. “I wondered how I was going to play this character because she had to be skilled in martial arts and football at the same time. It felt like an enormous challenge. But I believe actors should be able to play any role, so I told myself I could do it.”

With Kung Fu Soccer, Dilraba Dilmurat has accomplished more than delivering her biggest box office hit. The film has reshaped public perception of her abilities, proving she can handle action, comedy, and physically demanding performances while carrying a major theatrical release.

Stephen Chow’s gamble on the actress appears to have paid off, giving Dilraba not only the biggest commercial success of her career but also a fresh opportunity to redefine herself as one of Chinese cinema’s leading stars.

Sources: K14