Star Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Vijay Raaz, Shreyas Talpadei, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, Sonali Kulkarni
Director: Kabir Khan
What’s Good: The story that needs to be told
What’s Bad: Nothing much
Loo Break: During the interval
Watch or Not?: Yes
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 143 Minutes
Chandu Champion Movie Review: Kartik Aaryan Brings Murlikant Petkar’s Inspiring Journey To Life With Remarkable Conviction
“Chandu Champion,” directed by Kabir Khan, is a moving biopic that brings to light the incredible story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Kartik Aaryan delivers a career-defining performance as Petkar, showcasing the determination and resilience of an unsung hero.
Chandu Champion Movie Review: Script Analysis
The film opens in 2017 with an elderly Murlikant Petkar (Kartik Aaryan) explaining to the police his deserving of the Arjuna Award. The narrative then takes us back to Petkar’s early years in Sangli’s Islampur village, where young Murlikant dreams of Olympic gold as a wrestler.
The first half of the movie captivates with its portrayal of Petkar’s childhood, military service, boxing pursuits, and the life-altering events of the 1965 Kashmir war where he was gravely injured. Despite surviving a prolonged coma and losing his ability to walk, Petkar’s indomitable spirit shines through.
The second half shifts focus to Petkar’s quest to swim competitively in the Paralympics, a journey fraught with challenges and triumphs. The screenplay, crafted by Sumit Arora and Sudipto Sarkar, adeptly balances these emotional highs and lows, ensuring the audience remains deeply invested in Petkar’s journey.
Chandu Champion Movie Review: Star Performance
Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Murlikant Petkar is nothing short of extraordinary. His physical transformation and nuanced performance breathe life into the character, capturing Petkar’s every emotion and aspiration with sincerity.
Aaryan’s mastery of the Marathi accent and his emotional depth are commendable. Supporting actors Bhuvan Arora and Rajpal Yadav provide essential comic relief, while Vijay Raaz’s portrayal of Petkar’s mentor, Tiger Ali, is equally compelling.
Chandu Champion Movie Review: Direction and Music
Kabir Khan’s direction stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth. He skillfully highlights the contributions of supporting characters without overshadowing the protagonist, adding layers to Petkar’s inspiring journey. The film evokes strong emotions, reminiscent of Khan’s earlier work in “Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”
Pritam’s musical composition, especially the track ‘Tu Hai Champion,’ adds a powerful and motivating soundtrack to the film, enhancing the overall impact of Petkar’s story.
Chandu Champion Movie Review: Peddler POV
“Chandu Champion” is a heartfelt tribute to Murlikant Petkar’s extraordinary life. Kabir Khan’s earnest storytelling, combined with Kartik Aaryan’s phenomenal performance, celebrates the achievements and resilience required to overcome tremendous obstacles. This biopic is not just a film but a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s unyielding strength. For those seeking an inspiring and emotionally rich cinematic experience, “Chandu Champion” is a must-watch.