Why Did a Star-Studded Film Flop? Ranvir Shorey Points Fingers at Chandni Chowk To China's Makers
Published on: November 15, 2025
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, actor Ranvir Shorey didn't hold back when discussing the box office failure of the 2009 action-comedy Chandni Chowk To China. Starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, the film promised a thrilling blend of martial arts and humor but ultimately fell flat with audiences. But here's where it gets controversial: Shorey squarely places the blame on the film's director, Nikkhil Advani, and the producers, arguing that a strong script was sabotaged by poor execution.
Shorey, who played a supporting role in the film, admitted the script had potential. "I think the script was definitely better than the final product," he stated. And this is the part most people miss: He went on to explain, in his own candid style, that the responsibility for a film's success or failure ultimately lies with the director and producer. "If the script is good but the film doesn't live up to it, then the mistake lies with the people in charge," he said, emphasizing the point with a straightforward, "It's as simple as that."
This isn't the first time the film's troubles have been aired. In a 2021 interview with Film Companion, Advani himself acknowledged the challenges, citing a lack of unified vision. He mentioned conflicting creative directions from various parties involved, including Akshay Kumar, Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy, and Sridhar Raghavan. "There were too many captains," Advani admitted, "and at some point, I just had to step back."
Chandni Chowk To China told the story of Sidhu, a humble cook from Delhi who is mistaken for the reincarnation of a legendary Chinese warrior. Despite its star power and ambitious premise, the film received mixed reviews and grossed only ₹53.45 crore against a ₹65 crore budget.
Shorey's comments raise interesting questions about the filmmaking process. Is it fair to solely blame the director and producer for a film's failure? While they undoubtedly hold significant responsibility, could other factors like casting choices, marketing strategies, or audience expectations also play a role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
