Kabir Khan Reacts to the Failure of Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’
Kabir Khan, the acclaimed director known for blockbuster hits like ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, has recently addressed the underwhelming box office performance of his latest film, ‘Chandu Champion’. The film, inspired by the true story of Murali Kanta Petkar, who won a gold medal for India at the 1972 Paralympics, stars Kartik Aaryan in the leading role. Despite positive reviews for Aaryan’s performance, the film failed to make a significant impact at the box office. This has led Kabir Khan to share his thoughts on the matter.
Director’s Perspective on Box Office Success
Kabir Khan expressed that any filmmaker who claims box office numbers don’t matter is being dishonest, emphasizing that they are indeed important. However, he also clarified that box office performance isn’t the sole criterion for evaluating a film. Kabir stated, “The most crucial aspect for me is how a film is remembered over time. Are people still talking about it long after its release? Films like ‘Chandu Champion’ and ’83’ are still being revisited on OTT platforms, which reflects the legacy of a film and its lasting impact on audiences.”
Reflecting on Personal Career Milestones
He further elaborated on his own experiences, stating, “Looking at box office numbers, my first film ‘Kabul Express’ earned significantly less than my other films. Yet, after 18 years, people approach me expressing their fondness for it. Today, we have multiple parameters through which we can judge a film’s connection with its audience.”
Additional Insights
Award Recognition at International Film Festival
Recently, ‘Chandu Champion’ gained recognition at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, where Kartik Aaryan won the Best Actor award and Kabir Khan received the Best Director accolade. Kabir reflected on this achievement, stating, “An award from an international jury holds significant value, as it is determined solely on the merit of the film by filmmakers and critics from around the globe.”
Box Office Statistics: ‘Chandu Champion’
| Metric | Amount (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| India Box Office Collection | 61.8 |
| Worldwide Collection | 87.25 |
| Production Budget | 120 |
‘Chandu Champion’ hit theaters on June 14 of this year and later became available for streaming on Prime Video. Despite the financial setback, the film featured a talented cast including Bhuwan Arora and Vijay Raaz, alongside Kartik Aaryan.
Future Prospects for Kartik Aaryan
While ‘Chandu Champion’ did not achieve box office success, Kartik Aaryan is poised to make a significant comeback with his upcoming film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, which is set to release during the Diwali season. The previous installment of the franchise was a massive hit, and Aaryan’s portrayal of the character Rooh Baba was well-received by audiences. The third installment will also feature Triti Dimri, along with well-known stars like Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan.
