CMC Pictures picks up 'Dear You,' China's word-of-mouth hit, for North America, Australia and New Zealand theaters.

Some are worried that the Teochew-language drama represents a new, softer era of propaganda targeting the diaspora.

The Teochew-language family drama — reportedly made for about $2 million and now nearing $250 million in China — opens in U.K. and Irish cinemas on June 26, with France to follow.

The popular Chinese movie Dear You has begun its overseas release in Hong Kong, Malaysia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand starting this week.