Filmmaker Kabir Khan Reflects on His Successful Collaboration with Salman Khan and the Impact of His Latest Film Chandu Champion
Filmmaker Kabir Khan is currently celebrating the success of his latest cinematic venture, Chandu Champion, which features the talented actor Kartik Aaryan in the lead role. In a recent conversation with IndiaToday.in, Kabir Khan took the opportunity to reflect on his past collaborations with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, whose contributions have played a significant role in shaping Khan’s illustrious career. The two have worked together on blockbuster hits like Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, both of which enjoyed immense commercial success and critical acclaim.
Kabir Khan fondly reminisced about their successful partnership and expressed a deep appreciation for Salman Khan's impact on his career. He acknowledged that while the Tiger franchise has continued to be a significant part of the Bollywood landscape under the stewardship of other filmmakers, there remains a strong fan desire for the much-anticipated sequel to *Bajrangi Bhaijaan*. During the interview, Kabir Khan shared his thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with Salman Khan for future projects.
“When it comes to working with Salman again, it is all about finding the right script,” Kabir Khan said. “If there’s a script that excites both of us, I would absolutely love to collaborate with him once more. Our previous collaborations have been immensely rewarding, and the roles he played in my career are irreplaceable. We created some truly iconic characters together, and it would be wonderful to revisit that magic. However, we must find a script that is genuinely compelling and worthy of our efforts. We can’t just embark on any film for the sake of it. It has to be a project that we both believe in and if that opportunity arises, we would be eager to work together again,” he explained.
Kabir Khan also took time to discuss the overwhelming and positive reception of his latest film, *Chandu Champion*. Released on June 14, 2024, the film, which is based on the inspirational life of Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, has resonated deeply with audiences. Kabir Khan described the enthusiastic response to the film as ‘overwhelming’ and admitted that there had been a certain level of anxiety about how the film would be received.
Reflecting on the success of Chandu Champion, he remarked, “I have experienced success with a few commercial blockbusters in the past, but the love and appreciation we’re receiving for this film is truly unprecedented. It is deeply emotional to see how people are engaging with the film and recognizing the small details and nuances that Kartik Aaryan and I worked hard to incorporate. The appreciation extends beyond just the performances, with audiences also celebrating the work of the entire team—be it the cinematography, sound design, or even Pritam’s music. This kind of affection for the film is something that endures over time. It’s not just a fleeting moment of success but something that will be cherished for years to come. Every time the film reappears on OTT platforms or television, there will be a new wave of admiration, and that’s what makes this experience so special,” he shared.
Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Chandu Champion tells the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, a Paralympic gold medalist whose achievements have served as a source of motivation for many. The film’s release has been marked by a strong and positive audience response, further solidifying Kabir Khan’s position as a prominent and respected filmmaker in the industry.
