Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Advani Rejects Kal Ho Naa Ho 2, Backs Chandni Sequel
Nikkhil Advani directed Kal Ho Naa Ho and Chandni Chowk To China.
He said there will not be a second Kal Ho Naa Ho because he feels its special magic happened only once.
However, he is open to making another Chandni Chowk To China.
Akshay Kumar, who starred in that film, is also willing to return.
Fans on Reddit have been discussing the idea of a sequel.
The original movie did poorly in cinemas in 2009.
It later became better known through television.
The film was made for a large amount of money but earned less worldwide.
Advani has said that the film’s second half was a major problem.
Nikkhil Advani said he will not make Kal Ho Naa Ho 2 because its magic cannot be recreated.
Advani said he and Akshay Kumar are willing to make a sequel to Chandni Chowk To China.
The sequel discussion was encouraged by online chatter from a Reddit community.
Chandni Chowk To China was released in 2009 and became a major box-office flop.
The film reportedly cost Rs 62–80 crore and earned Rs 53–56 crore worldwide.
- Who
- Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani and actor Akshay Kumar are associated with the proposed Chandni Chowk To China sequel; Advani discussed Kal Ho Naa Ho 2.
- What
- Advani ruled out making Kal Ho Naa Ho 2 but said he is willing to make a Chandni Chowk To China sequel.
- When
- Kal Ho Naa Ho was released in 2003, Chandni Chowk To China in 2009, and Advani’s comments included remarks from a 2024 podcast interview.
- Where
- The comments were reported by ThePrint in New Delhi; the films were released in India.
- Why
- Advani said Kal Ho Naa Ho’s magic cannot be recreated, while online fan discussion helped revive interest in a Chandni Chowk To China sequel.
Sequel Unlikely
Sequel Possible
Kal Ho Naa Ho 2
Sequel Unlikely
Nikkhil Advani said he will not make the sequel because the original film’s magic happened only once and would be difficult to recreate.
Sequel Possible
The article notes that hope is not entirely lost for sequels generally, but provides no indication that Advani has changed his position on Kal Ho Naa Ho 2.
Chandni Chowk To China sequel
Sequel Unlikely
The original film was a major box-office flop, and Advani acknowledged that its second half was a problem.
Sequel Possible
Advani and Akshay Kumar are willing to make a sequel, encouraged partly by Reddit discussions about the film.
- Kal Ho Naa Ho release
- 2003
- Chandni Chowk To China release
- 2009
- Chandni Chowk To China reported budget
- Rs 62–80 crore
- Chandni Chowk To China worldwide earnings
- Rs 53–56 crore
- Chandni Chowk To China rights
- The rights are with Warner Bros.
- Later television reception
- Advani said the film later became famous on television
- Advani-Kumar collaborations
- Patiala House, Airlift and Bell Bottom followed their work together on Chandni Chowk To China