Linguists and the local Teochew community say watching the hit Chinese film in its original form can help sustain cultural diversity.

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

Members of Malaysia's Chinese community at an exhibition for the film

Linguists and the local Teochew community say watching the hit Chinese film in its original form can help sustain cultural diversity.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 — A hit Chinese film that has struck an emotional chord with Singapore’s Teochew community is also reigniting debate over language, heritage and...