Director Kabir Khan, known for delivering Bollywood hits like ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ recently opened up about the underwhelming box office performance of his latest film, ‘Chandu Champion.’ Starring Kartik Aaryan in the lead role, the film is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in 1972. Despite Kartik’s commendable performance, the film didn’t perform as expected at the box office.
Box Office Matters, But It’s Not Everything: Kabir Khan
In a candid interview, Kabir Khan addressed the film’s performance, saying, “If any filmmaker says that box office numbers don’t matter, they’re lying. It does matter. But it’s not the only way to judge a film.” Kabir emphasized that for him, the true measure of a film’s success is how it is remembered over time. “The most important thing for me is how the film is remembered. Is it being talked about after some time? Right now, ‘Chandu Champion’ and even ’83’ are being watched repeatedly on OTT platforms. This shows the legacy of the film and how long it stays in people’s minds,” he added.
Kabir Reflects on His Previous Work
Kabir Khan also reflected on his earlier works, mentioning, “In terms of box office numbers, my first film ‘Kabul Express’ earned much less than all my other films. However, even after 18 years, people come to me and say that they liked it. Today, there are many parameters through which you can judge how much a film connects with people.”
Recognition at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Despite its box office performance, ‘Chandu Champion’ received recognition at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Kartik Aaryan won the Best Actor award, and Kabir Khan was honored as the Best Director. Kabir expressed his gratitude, saying, “When an award comes from an international jury, it holds a different significance. The filmmakers and critics involved judge solely based on the film’s merit.”
Box Office Figures and Production Costs
According to reports, ‘Chandu Champion’ earned ₹61.8 crores in India and ₹87.25 crores worldwide. However, the film’s budget was reportedly around ₹120 crores, making it fall short in terms of profitability. The film, released in theaters on June 14, 2024, features an ensemble cast including Bhuvan Arora, Vijay Raaz, and Sonia Goswami. The film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Kartik Aaryan’s Next Big Project: ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’
While ‘Chandu Champion’ didn’t set the box office on fire, fans of Kartik Aaryan have much to look forward to. The actor is set to return in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ slated for release this Diwali. The previous installment, released in 2022, was a blockbuster hit, with Kartik’s portrayal of Rooh Baba winning hearts across the nation. The third part of the franchise promises to be just as entertaining, with Tripti Dimri playing the female lead and Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan also being part of the star-studded cast.
As fans eagerly await ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,’ Kabir Khan’s reflections on ‘Chandu Champion’ serve as a reminder that a film’s legacy isn’t solely defined by its box office performance but by the lasting impact it leaves on its audience.
