Kabir Khan’s latest directorial venture, Chandu Champion, released on June 14, 2024, is already generating significant buzz in the film industry. The film, a biographical sports drama, stars Kartik Aaryan and Vijay Raaz in leading roles. Co-written by Kabir Khan, Sumit Arora, and Sudipto Sarkar, the film has been jointly produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.
Chandu Champion: Cast And Plot Summary
Chandu Champion features Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Vijay Raaz plays his coach, Tiger Ali, bringing his trademark depth to the role. The film also stars Shreyas Talpade, Brijendra Kala, Rajpal Yadav, and Bhuvan Arora in significant roles, with Palak Lalwani making a noteworthy appearance. The movie’s cinematography, lauded for its striking visuals, is another feather in Kabir Khan’s cap.
The story begins during the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, where Murlikant Petkar is severely injured. The narrative then jumps to 40 years later, with an elderly Petkar filing a fraud case against the President of India, prompting a flashback to his journey. Young Murli, inspired by Olympic wrestler KD Jadhav, dreams of winning an Olympic medal. Despite ridicule and numerous setbacks, including being gunned down in the war and attempting suicide, Murli’s determination leads him to become a Paralympic champion.
The film’s early scenes, depicting Murli’s childhood in Sangli, Maharashtra, draw comparisons to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, as both films showcase the protagonists’ struggles and dreams from a young age. Murli’s rigorous training in boxing and swimming, interspersed with moments of humour and music, effectively captures his journey.
Chandu Champion adheres to the familiar tropes of sports dramas but elevates them with strong performances and heartfelt direction. Kabir Khan, who previously directed 83 and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has once again proven his knack for sports biopics. His belief in the story and dedication to authenticity shine through, making the film a feel-good experience despite its formulaic nature.
Kartik Aaryan delivers a standout performance, shedding his “boy-next-door” image to portray the tough yet tender Murlikant Petkar. “Main Chandu nahi, Champion hai,” Aaryan declares in the film, symbolizing his transformation as an actor. Critics have praised his versatility, with Arushi Jain noting, “Kartik shows he is capable of being a tough yet tender, dedicated and sincere athlete.”
Vijay Raaz, as Petkar’s coach, is equally impressive, bringing a nuanced and tactile performance that enhances the film’s emotional depth. “Raaz’s acting prowess lies in how much he makes his characters more tactile and believable,” Jain adds.
Supporting actors like Brijendra Kala, Rajpal Yadav, and Bhuvan Arora, though having limited screen time, leave a significant impact with their effortless performances. The film also touches on the struggles of para-athletes in India, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles and societal ignorance they face.
The film has received generally positive reviews from critics. Rahul Desai commends the film for its lean narrative and effective use of familiar biopic elements. He writes, “The craft doesn’t impress, it expresses. The camera doesn’t just show, it reveals.” Jaya Dwivedi also praises the film, awarding it four out of five stars and highlighting its enthralling storyline and commendable performances.
However, it opened only at ₹4.75 crore on Friday marking it as Kartik Aaryan’s lowest opening movie post pandemic. Kartik Aaryan, reflecting on his role, stated, “Playing Murlikant Petkar was a transformative experience for me. His story of resilience and determination is truly inspiring.”
Director Kabir Khan shared his vision for the film, saying, “With Chandu Champion, I wanted to bring to light the incredible journey of Murlikant Petkar, a true underdog who overcame immense odds to achieve greatness.” Producer Sajid Nadiadwala added, “This film is not just about sports; it’s about the human spirit and the power of dreams. We are proud to bring this story to the audience.”
Chandu Champion stands out in the crowded genre of sports dramas by focusing on the human story behind the triumph. The film’s dedication to authenticity, combined with stellar performances and heartfelt direction, makes it a must-watch.
