Advait Chandan is an Indian film director and screenwriter known for his association with Aamir Khan Productions. He made his directorial debut with the Hindi-language film Secret Superstar (2017) and later directed Laal Singh Chaddha (2022).
Key facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Advait Chandan |
| Occupation | Film director, screenwriter |
| Industry | Hindi cinema (Bollywood) |
| Notable association | Aamir Khan Productions |
| Directorial debut | Secret Superstar (2017) |
| Notable works | Secret Superstar, Laal Singh Chaddha |
Background
Before turning director, Chandan worked closely with actor-producer Aamir Khan, serving in production and managerial capacities at Aamir Khan Productions. This long-running collaboration shaped his entry into filmmaking, with Khan backing both of his feature films as producer and lead actor.
Career
Secret Superstar (2017)
Secret Superstar, written and directed by Chandan, starred Zaira Wasim as a teenage girl from Vadodara aspiring to be a singer, with Aamir Khan in a supporting role as a flamboyant music composer. The film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Zee Studios, dealt with themes of domestic abuse, women's autonomy, and the pursuit of artistic ambition. It received a strong response in international markets, particularly in China, where it became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
Chandan directed Laal Singh Chaddha, an official Hindi adaptation of the 1994 American film Forrest Gump. The film starred Aamir Khan in the title role alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan, with the screenplay written by Atul Kulkarni. It reframed the original narrative against the backdrop of major events in modern Indian history. The film was released theatrically in August 2022.
Style and themes
Chandan's films emphasise emotionally driven, character-centred storytelling, often using personal journeys to engage with broader social issues such as gender, family relationships, and identity in contemporary India.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Secret Superstar | Director, writer |
| 2022 | Laal Singh Chaddha | Director |
Significance
Chandan is among the directors who emerged from within Aamir Khan's production setup to lead high-profile mainstream Hindi films. His debut was particularly notable for its commercial performance overseas, contributing to the wider expansion of Hindi cinema in East Asian markets during the late 2010s.