Genre: Action, Comedy
Director: Nikhil Advani
Producer: Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy, Mukesh Talreja
Banner: Orion Pictures, R. S. Entertainment
Presenter: Warner Bros. Pictures
Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Mithun Chakraborty, Ranvir Shorey, Gordon Liu, Roger Yuan
Release Date: 16th January 2009
After the successful 'Singh is Kinng', Akshay Kumar's 'Chandni Chowk To China' (CC2C) came across 
as a big disappointment. Though we were not expecting any logic in the movie, there were hardly any laughs also. The two and a half hours movie was full of stale jokes, with scenes that seemed to be stretching on endlessly. The characterization is pathetic, with exaggerated stereotypes being used everywhere. Talking about cinematography, the film failed to capture the exotic locales of China. In fact, except for some shots of the Great Wall and the Shanghai city, we could hardly see China in CC2C.
as a big disappointment. Though we were not expecting any logic in the movie, there were hardly any laughs also. The two and a half hours movie was full of stale jokes, with scenes that seemed to be stretching on endlessly. The characterization is pathetic, with exaggerated stereotypes being used everywhere. Talking about cinematography, the film failed to capture the exotic locales of China. In fact, except for some shots of the Great Wall and the Shanghai city, we could hardly see China in CC2C. 'Chandni Chowk To China' was also touted to be a tribute to the yesteryears cinemas of Hindi as well as Chinese film industry. However, right from the lost-and-found family formula, double role and memory loss to orphaned street child protagonist and revenge, none of the aspects managed to bring out the homage. From India's 'Sholay' to China's 'Kung Fu Panda', the derivatives were too many and too pronounced. There are excessive clichés in the screenplay. Another disappointment was Akshay Kumar's martial arts training, which was the main highlight of the movie, but completed within one transition song.
The script as well as screenplay of 'Chandni Chowk To China' didn't leave much scope for good performances. Akshay Kumar was not his usual, comic self, while Ranveer Shorey was totally wasted in the movie. At the same time, CC2C failed to exploit the potential of Chinese legend Gordon Liu well. While Roger Yuan did give us some entertaining moments, the same cannot be said for Mithun Chakravarthy, who was not given much scope. Deepika Padukone came across as a pleasant relief, especially in her Chinese Avatar. All in all, this movie is definitely not worth spending your bucks on!
Chandni Chowk To China Pre-release Review
Warner Bros. Picturesare ready with their second Bollywood venture, a comedy flick by the name of 'Chandni Chowk To China'. Directed by Nikhil Advani, the movie is credited to be the first-ever Bollywood Kungfu comedy. It will take the audience from the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk (Delhi) to the Shanghai city and even rural China. Apart from mesmerizing locales, it promises to offer loads of uproarious gags, awe-inspiring action and rousing emotions. The film has been produced by Ramesh Sippy, Rohan Sippy and Mukesh Talreja.
'Chandni Chowk To China' is slated for release on 16th January 2009, under the banners 'Orion Pictures' and 'R. S. Entertainment'. The music for the movie has been provided by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. It has Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, in the lead roles, along with Mithun Chakraborty, Ranvir Shorey, Gordon Liu and Roger Yuan. 'Chandni Chowk To China' is the first Bollywood film to be shot in China. The notion that the movie, at least in part, is based on Akshay Kumar's life was confirmed by the actor.
'Chandni Chowk To China' revolves around the life of Sidhu (Akshay Kumar), a man belonging to the lower rungs of the Delhi society. He cuts vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi). In order to get away from his mundane existence, he looks for shortcuts in life, such as consulting people like astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs. The one thing that he doesn't do is - believe in himself, much against the wishes and advise of his father figure Dada (Mithun Chakraborty).
One day, two strangers from China arrive in Chandni Chowk and declare Sidhu to be a reincarnation of their war hero. Relying on the translation of their statements by Chopstick (Ranvir Shorey), Sidhu leaves with them for China. He starts dreaming of wine, women and a princely existence, unaware that Chopstick is a conman who has narrated half the story to him. The latter doesn't tell Sidhu that he is being taken to a Chinese village to get rid of the vicious smuggler Hojo (Gordon Liu).
On his way to the village, Siddhu meets Sakhi (Deepika Padukone), Ms. Tele Shoppers Media (Ms. TSM). She is going to her homeland to pay homage to her dead father and twin, victims of the evil Hojo. After escaping from Hojo through a series of lucky coincidences, Sidhu is finally caught and exposed as a country buffoon. With the aim of taking revenge, he starts learning Kungfu from Chiang (Roger Yuan). Armed with the knowledge from his Sifu (master) Chiang, faith in himself and his love Sakhi, Sidhu vows to conquer his enemy.
