He soon took to film direction with the well-acclaimed movie, Neecha Nagar which bagged an award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946. This film was the debut film for Kamini Kaushal.

After the critical acclaim of his directorial debut, Chetan along with his younger brother Dev Anand set up `Navketan Productions’ in the early 50s. Afsar, starring Dev Anand and Suraiya, was the first film made by him under the banner. It turned out to be a moderate success. Taxi Driver and Andhiyan were other notable films he directed for Navketan.

As Director :

1. Aaja Meri Jaan (1993)
2. “Param Veer Chakra” (1988) TV Series
3. Haathon Ki Lakeeren (1986)
4. Hum Rahe Na Hum (1984)
5. Kudrat (1981)
6. Saheb Bahadur (1977)
7. Jaaneman (1976)
8. Hanste Zakhm (1973)
9. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
10. Heer Raanjha (1970/I)
11. Aakhri Khat (1966)
12. Haqeeqat (1964)
13. Kinare Kinare (1963)
14. Anjali (1957)
15. Funtoosh (1956)
16. Joru Ka Bhai (1955)
17. Taxi Driver (1954)
18. Aandhiyan (1952)
19. Afsar (1950)
20. Neecha Nagar (1946)

As Producer :

1. Haathon Ki Lakeeren (1986) (producer)
2. Hanste Zakhm (1973) (producer)

As writer :

1. Kudrat (1981)
2. Heer Raanjha (1970/I) (screenplay)
3. Aakhri Khat (1966) (also story)
4. Haqeeqat (1964) (written by)
5. Kinare Kinare (1963) (screenplay)
6. Taxi Driver (1954) (scenario)
7. Afsar (1950) (screenplay)

As Actor :

1. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
2. Aman (1967)
3. Kinare Kinare (1963)
4. Kala Bazar (1960)
5. Anjali (1957)
6. Humsafar (1953)