NEW DELHI, June 14 (PTI): Filmmaker Kabir Khan has delivered a groundbreaking eight-minute-long continuous war sequence in his latest film “Chandu Champion.” Khan emphasizes that action sequences must advance the story’s emotional drama rather than serving merely as promotional tools, akin to an item number in movies.
This highly anticipated sequence was shot at an altitude of 9,000 feet in Kashmir’s Aru Valley. The meticulous preparation involved four days of rehearsals, culminating in a single day of shooting that featured fighter jets, bomb blasts, and intense combat scenes.
“I have always believed that action for the sake of action never really works. It’s only effective when it propels the emotional drama and the arc of the story forward,” Khan explained. “In ‘Chandu Champion,’ the action is pivotal to the plot.”
“Chandu Champion,” inspired by the life of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, stars Kartik Aaryan in the title role. The narrative spans multiple phases of the protagonist’s life, including his roles as an Indian Army soldier, wrestler, boxer, 1965 war veteran, and swimmer.
Khan, known for his directorial works such as “Ek Tha Tiger,” “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” “83,” and “Kabul Express,” aimed to create an immersive experience by shooting the eight-minute uncut sequence. “We wanted to stay close to the protagonist and experience the events unfold through his eyes,” he said.
The director highlighted the logistical challenges of the shoot. “We had no take two. It was a single take, and we had to get it right because we couldn’t recreate the large structures that were going to crumble and fall. Shooting at high altitude in Kashmir added to the complexity,” Khan added.
“Chandu Champion” marks Khan’s return to direction since his film “83,” which released during the third wave of the pandemic on December 24, 2021. The film, starring Ranveer Singh, depicted the Indian men’s cricket team’s first World Cup win. Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, Khan noted the challenges faced by the film industry, including delays in projects and actor schedules.
Despite these challenges, Khan utilized the pandemic-induced lockdowns to delve deeply into the story of “Chandu Champion.” “Everything has a silver lining. The time allowed me to plan and prep the film meticulously, resulting in a project I am very proud of,” he said.
Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Kabir Khan Films, “Chandu Champion” is set to be a significant addition to Khan’s filmography.
