Chandni Chowk to China

This is probably the first attempt at combining a kung-fu movie with a musical. Although it's a bizarre combination, it could actually work if done right, but this movie however fails in many ways. The plot was silly and incoherent, the melodrama and comedy was over-the-top, and the movie was too long to top it off.

However, I did find some of the comedy scenes quite hilarious and the action scenes were also quite good in an over-the-top kind of way (like "Kung-Fu Hustle"). I would have given this movie a lower score, but it does at least have a few saving graces in its action and comedy, and it can be quite enjoyable if one is willing to suspend all disbelief. However, I would only recommend this movie if you are a fan of both Bollywood musicals and Kung-Fu movies.

5/10

The curtains finally rose on the all hyped Chandni Chowk to China which released yesterday the 16Th January worldwide. CC2C is an movie with an sincere and desperate attempt to tickle the funny bone, but... it fails miserably. This movie Directed by Nikhil Advani goes impact less on the audience like his previous directorial venture Salaam-E-Ishq in 2005. Now at that point you can actually feel a lot better after watching Salaam-E-Ishq because of its music unlike CC2C whose music is pretty much ordinary. CC2C's protagonist Siddhu(Akshaye Kumar) is a petty vegetable cutter at a food stall at Chandni Chowk owned by Dada(Mithun Chakraborthy) who's more like a father figure to Siddhu, who was brought up by him after being abandoned as a baby . Siddhu is innocent yet dumb,desperate to earn money and become rich, attempts some really weird things right from buying Lottery Tickets to seeking the help of astrologers and Palm readers to try change his luck. Fortunately or Unfortunately for him, he's recognized as an reincarnated Chinese warrior and taken to China to fight for the people against Hojo (Gordon Liu). And how circumstances lead to one another transforming him into a fighter is something to watch out for. In this very country he comes across the twin sisters Sakhi and Suzy(Both played by Deepika Padukone) who have their own story recipe to be added into the already screwed up CC2C story dish.

2009 for Bollywood has definitely started off on a real bad note with CC2C totally disappointing the audience and not even living up to half the level of its expectations. CC2C is clearly dumb, illogical and funny is parts. What were the Sippy's Production House thinking when he approved of such a crap script from Nikhil Advani. After this movie, it really makes you wonder on the fact - did Nikhil Advani actually make KHNH. To top off such a bad movie is that "Warner Bros" are the distributors for this movie, that too first time in Bollywood. Don't think they'll come back again. For once, The promos of CC2C are far better than the full length movie. Music of the movie again going unnoticed and has a reason for it. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, extremely disappointing music which is not even close to Rock On!!.

But you cannot really take this off from Akshaye Kumar, he's extremely hilarious but only in parts. And watching only these parts of the movie, you actually feel like sitting through the complete movie. Deepika Padukone does justice to her role completely,acting out well both as Sakhi and Suzy. What can an actor or an actress probably do.. when the script itself is filled with such flaws. Can't believe Shriram Raghavan has written the screenplay of CC2C after the movie like Jhonny Gaddar which was an absolute perfection in the screenplay section.

I heard Akshaye Kumar saying in one of his interview's- "Leave your brains at home when you come watch CC2C". After watching CC2C, i seriously wished "I should have left everything at home before watching, or even probably stayed back at home totally".

I'll go with 4 out of 10 for Nikhil Advani's CC2C. Ten Thumbs down for all the unnecessary hype.

If you take this film serious in any manner, you will not enjoy yourself. however, if you see this film for what it is: a Satire featuring every cliché x1000, you will laugh until your jaws hurt.

Chandi Chowk to China uses the simple formula of the heroes' journey as often used in comedy. The Protagonist playing the not to bright dreamer who, a la Don Quixote de la Mancha starts on a journey which he believes is full of adventure and heroism, while onlookers will only see a man duped by his own foolishness.

While not going into the story too much, you can rest assured that most clichés pass the revue, such as the long lost relative, Mr presumed dead but no body ever found (jee what would happen), and even, for your viewing pleasure an actual cliffhanger, just before the "break" to get your popcorn. (which I am sure plenty movie theatres do not feature, mine didn't.)

Eventually our protagonist gets wise, but not after the necessary painful experiences, and slapstick. now I'm not too great a fan of slapstick, but the manner in which it is preformed makes you laugh nonetheless.

The whole movie seems just an excuse for sheer entertainment, which you get in the form of very colourful and stylish scenes and surroundings, a great soundtrack accompanying 'fantasy' scenes in true musical style, and over the top martial arts scenes, which for once are choreographed well.

It is a lengthy movie, so if you chose to watch it makes sure to relax and take your time, use that break. mind at zero, and you will have a great time.

all in all it was a good film as it succeeds in what it attempts. it doesn't take itself seriously, and neither should you. although it has to be said, after a while you wonder where they draw the line, because it really is OVER the top. Great for kids and adults alike.

I am a great fan of Akshay Kumar. I booked the tickets for the 1st paid premier show for this movie. But I was seriously disappointed.

Comedy scenes wont make you laugh, by the time action scenes come u wont be interested. The movie doesn't excite you much and doesn't do anything to keep the audience glued to their seats. Their is no suspense, Deepika Padukone doesn't help either. Spoils the excitement as and when she appears on the screen. Their was so much fuss about the action scenes involving her, but those scenes has already been shown in all the trailers. The movie is very predictable. Very stupid at times.

I will recommend this movie only if u don't have to pay for it and you have a lot of spare time.

They are already planing a sequel. God bless the producers.

Its way past the box office time, so this review is for buying DVD and watching it on TV.

Okay everyone, people say this film was bad but my friend said it wasn't. I didn't listen to her and didn't watch the film, but realized my mistake after watching it on TV.

I don't need to type the synopsis, I'll just write my opinion to it. Here's what my point of view says:- Their work - FIRST Indian martial arts film. I say it was well presented and a fresh idea. They shoot in China, used REAL Chinese (not stupid fake characters like in some movies) and good actors. Very impressive action scenes.

Story idea - As said, fresh idea. I really liked the theme. The reason why this film have flopped might be that the story is not very new and some things aren't too. BUT the only overused Martial arts theme typically are of some cop who fights a drug dealer or gangster as revenge for his family or something, this is similar too but not completely. Slapstick comedies, some hard parts and few might look meaningless, but as long its entertainment. But do blend together well and is fine as long you cut stupid things.

Acting - Akshay is good and maintains his comedy like always. I really liked Deepika in this film. She has a double roll (not a spoiler), and I personally liked the 2nd character she played. There's Ranvir Shorey who's fine and some unknown Chinese actors who're actually good.

Music - Minimal songs but catchy enough. Songs "From Chandi Chowk to China", "Tere Naina", "Sidhu theme" and "Fatte Chak Lende" are energetic and probably the only used songs and have good timings.

Direction - I don't know this director, but I don't find him bad. I don't why this film completely flopped. If 'Dhamaal' was a hit, then I supposed it to be at least an average grosser.

Verdict - 6 out of 10. Why? Because this isn't a serious film and 7+ ratings are for really meaningful ones. 6 is just fine and its good.

My opinion - I have seen this film like 5-6 times on TV and I always think what was that bad. If you're a fan of Akshay, Deepika, Martial Arts or just want a time-pass film, this is good for Home Video or even watching on internet. But AT LEAST watchable.