Filmmaker Kabir Khan, known for his boundary-pushing narratives and gripping storylines, has once again set the cinematic world abuzz with his latest venture, “Chandu Champion.” This time, Khan brings to the screen an eight-minute-long, uncut war sequence featuring Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, shot at a staggering altitude of 9,000 feet in Kashmir’s picturesque Aru Valley. In a recent interview, Khan shared his insights about this ambitious sequence and the philosophy behind creating action scenes that resonate.
“When action is detached from sentiments, it only serves as a promotional tool, much like an item number,” Khan asserted. He emphasized the importance of embedding action within the story’s emotional framework, rather than using it merely for visual spectacle. “Action works when the emotional drama and arc of the story move forward with the action.” This perspective is keenly reflected in the much-anticipated war sequence of “Chandu Champion,” which, according to Khan, is one of the movie’s most pivotal points.
The remarkable sequence, which includes fighter jets, bomb blasts, and intense combat scenes, was filmed in a single day after four days of rehearsals. “We had no take two,” Khan explained, highlighting the meticulous planning required to achieve this feat. The location’s high altitude posed an additional challenge, necessitating careful preparation to transport people and equipment and to train the team for this demanding shot.
“Chandu Champion” draws inspiration from the extraordinary life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Kartik Aaryan portrays the titular character, depicting a man who transcends ages and professions, from an Indian Army soldier, a wrestler, a boxer, a 1965 war veteran, to a swimmer. This extensive portrayal mirrors Petkar’s diverse accomplishments and battles, making the narrative rich and multifaceted.
Khan, who has previously directed blockbusters like “Ek Tha Tiger,” “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “83,” and “Kabul Express,” conveyed that the central reason for the uncut sequence was to maintain a close connection with the protagonist’s perspective. “We are so used to doing things in films with multiple takes. Here, we had to get it right in one shot because a lot of big structures were going to crumble and fall, and resetting would have been impossible,” he elaborated.
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This project marks Khan’s return to the director’s chair since his acclaimed film “83,” which launched during the height of the third wave of the pandemic on December 24, 2021. Starring Ranveer Singh, “83” depicted the Indian men’s cricket team’s first World Cup victory. Reflecting on that tumultuous time, Khan noted, “Covid changed the planet and our lives. There was a moment when we were very unsure about how everything would pan out.” The unfortunate timing of “83”’s release coincided with a surge in Covid cases, which significantly affected the film industry.
The aftermath of the pandemic hit the exhibition sector hard. “It took months for theaters to come back to normal capacity. There was a backlog of actors’ dates and projects being greenlit,” Khan stated, adding that even now, the industry is still grappling with the repercussions, with fewer projects coming out. Nonetheless, he underscored that this challenging period was a global experience and not exclusive to the film industry.
During the pandemic-induced lockdowns, Khan found an unexpected silver lining in the extra time he had to devote to “Chandu Champion.” “I spent that time diving deep into stories, including ‘Chandu Champion,’ planning and prepping it meticulously to ensure it turned out a certain way,” he shared. This extensive preparation, he believes, has allowed him to create a project that stands out and will remain a significant part of his filmography for years to come.
Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Kabir Khan Films, “Chandu Champion” promises to be a cinematic experience that combines emotional depth with exhilarating action, staying true to Khan’s vision of storytelling where every element serves the story’s greater arc. This approach reaffirms Khan’s belief that the best action sequences are those that enhance and move forward the plot, rather than just serving as standalone spectacles.
As “Chandu Champion” approaches its release, anticipation builds not only for the compelling life story it portrays but also for the innovative and emotionally charged filmmaking that Kabir Khan brings to the screen.
