Director- Kabir Khan
Cast- Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Arora, Vijay Raaz, Yashpal Sharma, Bhagyashri Borse,
Aniruddh Dave, Shreyas Talpade, Sonali Kulkarni
Released Date- June 14, 2024
Runtime-142 minutes
Based on the true story of Murlikant Petkar, an army man and athlete who won India’s first Paralympic gold in 1972, Kabir Khan’s film “Chandu Champion” brings to life the remarkable journey of a man who fought against all odds. Despite being overlooked and underestimated, Petkar’s persistence shines through, compelling the world to recognize his achievements.
The narrative oscillates between Petkar’s past and present, spanning from the 1950s to 2018, when he finally received the Padma Shri. His journey is a testament to tenacity and resilience, surviving life’s harshest blows while never conceding defeat. The film echoes the free-flowing nature of “Forrest Gump” and the spirit of “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” yet adds its own rebellious streak
Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Petkar is a standout, blending restraint and spontaneity to capture the essence of a man driven by a fierce desire for respect and recognition. His transformation, both physical and emotional, is commendable. Bhuvan Arora, Rajpal Yadav, and Vijay Raaz provide strong supporting performances, enriching the story.
While the film’s heart is in the right place, it sometimes falls into a predictable rhythm, making the climax less impactful. The music, essential for a sports drama, could have been more stirring. Nonetheless, Kabir Khan’s direction ensures “Chandu Champion” remains an engaging and heartwarming tale, celebrating the underdog who dares to dream big. Though it follows a familiar template, it reminds us that true victory belongs to those who refuse to be ignored.
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