Genre: Sports/Action
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 2024
Film Overview
“Chandu Champion,” the 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama, directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, stars Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympics gold medallist. The film, which commenced principal photography in July 2023, was shot across London, Wai, and Jammu and Kashmir, wrapping up in January 2024. Released on June 14, 2024, the movie traces Petkar’s inspiring journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the international stage, overcoming immense personal and physical challenges.
Plot Summary
The film’s narrative begins in 2017 with an aged Murlikant Petkar visiting a police station to file a complaint about not being awarded the Arjuna Award. This sets the stage for a flashback to his early life in 1952 in Maharashtra, his ambitions to win an Olympic gold, his military career, and his eventual injury during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. Despite becoming a paraplegic, Petkar’s journey continues with renewed vigor as he trains for the 1972 Paralympics, where he wins a gold medal in freestyle swimming, setting a world record. The story returns to 2017, where his achievements finally receive recognition with the Padma Shri award.
Production Details
Kartik Aaryan underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, reducing his body fat percentage from 39% to 7% over 14 months. The film’s production started with a Muhurta puja in London on July 12, 2023. Subsequent shooting schedules took place in Kashmir and Wai, Maharashtra, concluding in January 2024. An ambitious eight-minute single-shot war sequence was filmed in Aru Valley, Jammu. The film’s music, composed by Pritam with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, IP Singh, and Kausar Munir, includes singles like “Satyanaas,” “Tu Hai Champion,” and “Sarphira.”
Promotion and Release
“Chandu Champion” was promoted extensively, with Kartik Aaryan making appearances on various platforms, including the dance reality show “Dance Deewane.” The film’s trailer was launched on May 8, 2024, at Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Aaryan’s hometown, Gwalior. A special screening was held for Indian Army officers in Delhi on June 5, 2024, where Murlikant Petkar was honored.
Reception and Box Office
Critically, “Chandu Champion” received a mixed to positive response. On Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 13 critics’ reviews were positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10. Bollywood Hungama and News18 rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising Aaryan’s performance and the film’s emotional depth. Other reviews from Firstpost, India Today, Rediff, and The Indian Express ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 stars. At the box office, the film grossed ₹74.35 crore in India and ₹13.79 crore overseas, totaling ₹88.14 crore worldwide by July 11, 2024.
