Chandu Champion, released on June 14, 2024, is an Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama that takes audiences on an inspirational journey through the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film stars Kartik Aaryan in the titular role, delivering a performance that has been widely praised.
Plot Summary
The film opens in 2017, with an elderly Murlikant Petkar, played by Aaryan, seeking justice at a local police station. Petkar’s request for an Arjuna Award, which he believes will aid in the development of his village, sparks a flashback to his extraordinary life.
The story traces Petkar’s early years in Peth Islampur, Maharashtra, where his dreams of Olympic glory are met with ridicule. Undeterred, he joins the Indian Army Corps of EME, becoming a boxer and competing at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo in 1964. Despite a strong showing, he falls short of victory, and a subsequent war injury leaves him paralyzed.
In a turning point, Petkar’s former coach, Tiger Ali (played by Vijay Raaz), encourages him to pursue the Paralympics. Despite the challenges, Petkar trains rigorously and competes in the 1972 Summer Paralympics, overcoming not only his physical limitations but also a terrorist attack that shifts the event venue. His victory in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record, brings him national acclaim, although his achievements fade over time.
In 2017, the story culminates with Petkar receiving the Padma Shri, a testament to his enduring legacy and the transformative power of perseverance.
Performance and Direction
Kartik Aaryan delivers a standout performance as Murlikant Petkar, embodying the character’s physical and emotional transformation with remarkable depth. His dedication to the role is evident in the physical changes he underwent, shedding significant weight to authentically portray the athlete’s journey. Aaryan’s portrayal has been highlighted as one of his strongest performances to date, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional impact.
Kabir Khan’s direction is both sensitive and stirring. Khan, known for his adept handling of real-life stories, captures Petkar’s journey with a blend of dramatic intensity and heartfelt sincerity. The film’s pacing effectively balances the inspirational aspects of Petkar’s story with the emotional struggles he faces, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.
Technical Aspects and Music
The film's technical elements, including cinematography and production design, enhance its storytelling. The eight-minute single-shot war sequence shot in Aru Valley at a challenging altitude is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the film's commitment to authenticity.
Pritam’s musical score complements the narrative, with tracks like “Satyanaas” and “Tu Hai Champion” adding emotional depth to key scenes. The soundtrack, released on June 15, 2024, has been well-received, further elevating the film’s inspirational tone.
Reception and Box Office
Chandu Champion has garnered a positive reception, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised Aaryan’s performance and Khan’s direction, though some have noted a few predictable elements in the script. Bollywood Hungama and News18 both awarded the film 4 stars out of 5, highlighting its powerful story and emotional resonance.
The film has performed well at the box office, grossing ₹74.35 crore in India and ₹13.79 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹88.14 crore as of July 11, 2024.
Conclusion
Chandu Champion is a triumph of storytelling and performance. It celebrates the indomitable spirit of Murlikant Petkar, bringing to light an inspiring story of perseverance and achievement. With Kartik Aaryan’s compelling performance and Kabir Khan’s adept direction, the film offers a moving tribute to a true champion whose legacy continues to inspire.