Joyce Bernal on the success of ‘Kita Kita’: Mainstream ang story, pero matapang

What sets one romantic comedy apart from the rest? According to director Joyce Bernal, it's about having a strong story and telling it right.

Bernal recently took on the role of producer for "Kita Kita", a small film that has earned over P250 million in the box office.

The success is almost surprising and in an interview with GMA News' News To Go on Friday, Bernal revealed, "When we opened, we had P2 million on the first day. On the second day we had P4 million. Actually happy na kami d'on."

Bernal credits the change in the landscape for the positive and overwhelming reception, but explained that the team behind "Kita Kita" also struck gold by merging something typically associated with mainstream movies — love stories and the romantic comedy genre — and gave it the "indie" treatment.

"Mainstream 'yong kwento namin, pero mas matapang siya than the mainstream," she explained. "Mas may edge siya, may statement siya."

Even though they chose lead actors with no "box office appeal", they made sure they have more to offer to the audience than just names.

She added, "We give you mas mataas na quality ng production."

They were also free to turn their attention to a more niche market, instead of trying to please everyone.

"Ang mainstream po kasi, kasi galing din po ako 'don, we want to cater sa lahat ng audiences, kailangan mo silang pagsilbihan lahat," she said.

She added, "Ito, kung ito lang 'yon, tungkol dito lang 'yon, tungkol lang sa ganitong audience lang 'yon, kung ito lang 'yan, d'on lang talaga kapag indie."

"Kita Kita" tells the story of a woman who goes blind and her interactions with her neighbor from across the street.

The film premiered at the Osaka Asian Film Festival 2017.

Read: 'Kita Kita' will make you see love in a different light. — AT, GMA News