The biopic of the life of the ancient Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius starring Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat is set to premiere on Jan 22.

"'Confucius' will open with 2,500 prints, breaking the record set by 'The Founding of a Republic'," said Liu Rong, general manager of Beijing Dadi Century which produced the film, on Thursday.

The latter, which was made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), was released with 1,450 prints in September.

"The record figure means people will be able to watch the film in every cinema in the country," said Liu.

The film's director Hu Mei said the biopic was an effort to promote the great philosopher's life and thoughts, and the Chinese culture.

Chow said in an early interview that he had taken the role because in the film Confucius was portrayed as a man with much human interest.

The film, which cost about 150 million yuan (about US$21.9 million) to make, focuses on the great philosopher's life experiences from 51 to 73.

Confucius (551 BC-479 BC) was born in the ancient Chinese state of Lu, today's Qufu city in Shandong Province. He was a great educator, philosopher, a renowned politician and the founding father of Confucianism.