MUMBAI: Sony Pictures and China Film Co. (CFC) have joined hands to co-produce the Chinese remake of My Best Friend's Wedding.

The film, slated for release in China on Valentine's Day 2016, features Shu Qi, Feng Shaofen, Song Qian aka Chinese singer and actress Victoria Song and Ye Qing.

Sony’s original film, which released in 1997, starred Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Dermot Mulroney and Rupert Everett.

Shooting will begin in late July this year in London, Italy and Beijing.

Alexi Tan will direct and produce the Chinese remake his company, Play Productions.

In the film, Journalists Gu Jia and Lin Ran have grown up together as best friends. One day, Lin Ran calls Gu Jia from the UK telling her that he is getting married to someone he only just met, a wealthy Chinese girl who has been studying in the UK, and asks Gu Jia to be his "best man." Gu Jia finally realizes that she loves him, not just as a friend, and sets out for London a few days before the wedding determined to win him back.

Hong Jiu, Fu Linran and Alexi Tan wrote the script. Jiu has published several popular online novels including We Live Together.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Columbia Pictures on this exciting remake of what has become an international comedy classic,” said China Film Co., Ltd executive Ling Hong.

Sony Pictures China head of production and strategic development Dede Nickerson added, “We are thrilled to be working with our partner China Film, Alexi and this incredible cast to create what is sure to be a hilarious and touching film for the Chinese audience.”

Columbia Pictures is also currently in post-production on director Chen Kaige's dark comedy Monk Comes Down the Mountain starring Wang Baoqiang, Aaron Kwok, Chang Chen, Chiling Lin, VanNess Wu and Fan Wei, based on the novel of the same name by Xu Haofeng. The film is currently in post-production and scheduled for release on 3 July, 2015.

Sony has previously co-produced Kung Fu Hustle (2004) and Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).