Authorities are investigating online allegations that one of China's most recognized movie directors, Zhang Yimou, has violated the country's family planning policy.

"A team has been dispatched to deal with the case, and a report will be released to the public as soon as possible," an official with Wuxi city's commission of population and family planning, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told China Daily on Thursday.

Zhang, winner of several top awards and the director of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is one of China's most famous filmmakers.