Kabir Khan Opens Up on ‘Slow Start’ of Chandu Champion, Says ‘Kartik Aaryan’s Fans Have Certain…’ – News18

Director Kabir Khan has got candid about the ‘slow start’ of his latest directorial Chandu Champion at the box office. Starring Kartik Aaryan, Chandu Champion is based on life and struggles of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. While the film has received largely positive reviews from critics, its low box office opening has surprised trade experts.

Talking about the same, Kabir Khan told Times Now, “The slow start did throw us off balance. But luckily, the word-of-mouth was positive. Let’s see how it goes from here. Nowadays, it’s hard to predict anything about the box office. We made a film which we thought would be liked by the audience. I am glad the audience ratio is increasing. These are tough times. We should be grateful for whatever attention the audience gives us.”

Kabir further admitted that Kartik’s image after doing a string of comedies might have affected the film’s performance, as people found it hard to accept him in a serious role suddenly.

“That could be a reason, yes. His fans have certain expectations from him. A new narrative, a new experience from him takes time to sink in. Hopefully, we will be seeing more people coming to the theatres to see our film. Those who have seen it have come out teary eyed, very moved. Kartik’s performance is already been singled out for the awards. We have room to keep growing till Kalki 2898 AD releases on June 27,” Kabir added.

News18 Showsha has rated Chandu Champion 4/5. Talking about Kartik’s performance in the movie, our reviewer stated, “Kartik has delivered his career-best performance that aptly conveys his character’s inner turbulence, much of it derived from Murli’s childhood bullying and people’s disbelief in his potential. Moreover, it’s the emotional yet rousing finale that will have audiences cheering for Kartik, the star.”

Kartik went through rigorous training to look the part of a freestyle swimmer in the film, which involved reducing his weight from 90 kgs to 72 kgs and his body fat from 39% to 7%. In fact, Kartik recently took to social media to share a viral before-and-after transformation picture of himself that encompassed his journey from an ‘insomniac’ to a ‘fitness enthusiast’. The film has been faring well at the box office and has crossed the Rs 20 crore mark in three days.