After his 2007 cult classic "Mad Detective," veteran Hong Kong actor Sean Lau once again plays a crazy cop in director Wai Ka-Fai's latest thrilling effort "Detective Vs. Sleuths," which was released on Friday.

However, "Detective Vs. Sleuths" is not actually a sequel to "Mad Detective," though the two films share the same director, same lead actor and similar main characters. This prompted an audience member to ask Wai via video link at the film's premiere in Beijing on Wednesday whether he would consider making a "Mad Detective" universe in the future. 

"I would carefully consider it," Wai replied. 

Sean Lau plays a former detective called Jun Lee with psychological problems and a supernatural gift that allows him to see haunting and horrifying illusions that can predict the future. Racing against time, he and a pregnant police detective attempt to hunt down a serial killer while having to fight off a group of terrorist-style vigilantes (who call themselves "The Chosen Sleuths") led by his own daughter and who have vowed to murder the bad guys that killed or hurt their families years ago.

The crime film, which also stars Charlene Choi, Raymond Lam and Carman Lee, is full of suspense, large action set pieces and gun fights. Wai said that his aim this time was to delve into deeper themes, all while adopting a popcorn action filmmaking approach. In the film, a quote from 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is repeatedly read out by the lead character: "He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee."

"Compared to 'Mad Detective,' 'Detective Vs. Sleuths' is much crazier," the director said. Sean Lau agreed, "The character Jun Lee is a real crazy man - you'll be unlucky to meet him, he's dangerous."

Lau's multi-layered performance of a man with mental issues amazed the audience after the advance screening at the premiere and several earlier test screenings. Behind-the-scenes footage also demonstrated his extraordinary work ethic. For him, being an "actor," is a simple and important task. "It is my job and basically my everything."

"Though this time it was very hard and challenging, I felt I'm very lucky and very happy to have the opportunity to act in this film," he added. 

"Detective Vs. Sleuths" received rave reviews at the premiere, among which was renowned Chinese director Jia Zhangke. A long-time fan of Hong Kong films, Jia was invited to the premiere and after the screening called it an "authentic and pure Hong Kong film."

"I can see the great dedication of the cast and crew, and every action scene is challenging," he said. "The film is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a rare work in recent years that can still truly showcase the charm of Hong Kong cinema."

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