BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- "Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation," the fifth installment in the action franchise, has earned 780 million yuan (122.4 million U.S. dollars) to become the top-grossing 2D foreign film of all time for box office sales on the Chinese mainland.

"Interstellar," a sci-fi epic by director Christopher Nolan, was the previous record holder, pulling in total box office sales of 755 million yuan after screening in China late last year.

"Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation," starring Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, debuted on Chinese screens on Sept. 8 and set a new first day box office record for a 2D imported film.

After 11 days it had taken in 672 million yuan, exceeding the total box office sales of the fourth installment of the action franchise, "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol."

Industry experts said that word of mouth has helped the film's success, and audiences were impressed by its thrilling scenes.

China has become a major market for Hollywood blockbusters.

According to earlier statistics by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, Chinese cinemas have already taken in 30 billion yuan this year, with more than 50 films exceeding 100 million yuan, including some 20 imported films.