True to its name, the production was an ambitious, cross-continental effort. It holds the distinction of being the . The crew filmed at spectacular real-life locations, including the iconic Great Wall of China and the bustling city of Shanghai . To create the look of the village, some scenes were also filmed at a set built in the Snake Mountains in Ratchaburi, Thailand . Additionally, many interior sequences were shot at the Shanghai Film Studio . Made on a massive budget of around ₹65 crore, the film was expected to be Akshay Kumar's entry into the elusive ₹100 crore club, a milestone only a few Bollywood films had achieved at the time.
Chandni Chowk to China is not a perfect film. Its shortcomings are well-documented and were a major factor in its initial failure. However, it remains an incredibly fascinating and entertaining piece of Bollywood history. It is a film that wears its ambition on its sleeve, unafraid to be loud, colorful, and over-the-top. Akshay Kumar delivers a committed performance, the action is surprisingly well-choreographed thanks to its Hong Kong influences, and the soundtrack is still a banger.
