Chandu Champion (2024) Review| release Date | Cast & Trailer
Chandu Champion is an inspiring biographical drama directed by Kabir Khan, known for his ability to bring real-life stories to the big screen with sensitivity and cinematic flair. Co-written by Kabir Khan, Sumit Arora, and Sudipto Sarkar, the film delves into the remarkable life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, highlighting his journey of perseverance, courage, and unyielding spirit. The movie, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan, under the banners of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Kabir Khan Films, is a tribute to Petkar’s legacy and his relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds.
| Movie | Chandu Champion |
| Language | Hindi |
| Screen | 2D |
| Release Date | 14 June 2024 |
| Star Cast | Kartik Aaryan, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav |
| Country | India |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Sports |
| Director | Kabir Khan |
| Producer | Kabir Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala |
| Writer | Sumit Aroraa |
| Music | Pritam Chakraborty |
| Cinematographer | Sudeep Chatterjee |
| Production companies | AA Films, Kabir Khan Films, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
Plot
The film opens in 2017 with an aged Murlikant Petkar arriving at a local police station, determined to file a complaint against the President of India for not being awarded the Arjuna Award, believing that the recognition would aid in the development of his village. When questioned about his accomplishments, Petkar recounts his extraordinary journey:
In 1952, young Murlikant grew up in the village of Peth Islampur, Maharashtra, with dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal. Despite being mocked by his classmates and scolded by his father, his determination never wavers. He eventually runs away from home and joins the Indian Army Corps of EME, where he trains as a boxer. Petkar’s talent shines, but his journey is marred by setbacks, including a loss at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo due to a lapse in focus.
In 1965, while serving in the Indian Army, Petkar is severely injured during the Indo-Pakistani war, leaving him paraplegic. Devastated by his condition and the loss of his Olympic dream, he nearly gives up on life. However, a visit from his former coach Tiger Ali reignites his spirit, encouraging him to compete in the Paralympics. Against all odds, Petkar trains rigorously and qualifies for the 1972 Summer Paralympics in the 50m freestyle swimming event, ultimately winning the gold medal and setting a new world record.
Despite his accomplishments, Petkar’s legacy fades over the years. His remarkable story was eventually rediscovered by a journalist and a senior government official who, impressed by his achievements, decided that the Arjuna Award is too modest for his contributions, leading to his being honoured with the Padma Shri in 2018.
Dialogue Writing
Rohit Shukre’s work on the dialogues is crucial in making sure that the words resonate strongly with viewers, effectively showing Murlikant Petkar’s strength and power.
The dialogue writing highlights the protagonist’s unwavering determination, making the narrative powerful and moving for the audience. Shukre’s expertise in creating dialogues makes the characters more relatable, as their interactions and expressions are vividly brought to life on screen. His contribution adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film, enabling viewers to connect with Petkar’s story emotionally. Shukre helps convey the true essence of Petkar’s enduring spirit by focusing on the nuances of language and expression, making the film even more impactful.
Release Date
Chandu Champion is set to be released on June 14, 2024. The film’s release is highly anticipated, as it promises to bring a story of inspiration and hope to audiences worldwide. The film’s release will coincide with India’s efforts to celebrate and honour unsung heroes, making it a fitting addition to the cinematic calendar.
Cinematography
Sudeep Chatterjee took on the role of cinematographer for “Chandu Champion,” bringing his expertise in capturing visually stunning and emotionally charged scenes, as demonstrated in his previous acclaimed films. For this project, Chatterjee utilized dynamic and expressive cinematography to visually narrate the journey of the lead character, particularly the highs and lows of Petkar’s life. His work adds depth and emotion to the story, making the audience feel more connected to the characters’ experiences.
Chatterjee’s contribution significantly enhances the film’s immersive quality, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the plot through his skilful visual storytelling.
Chatterjee’s contribution significantly enhances the film’s immersive quality, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the plot through his skilful visual storytelling.
Production
The production of the movie was managed by Kabir Khan Films, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt Ltd, and Star Studios. Sajid Nadiadwala, known for his successful productions, collaborated with Kabir Khan to bring this compelling narrative to life. Their partnership ensured that all necessary resources were available for the high-quality production of the film, providing support throughout the entire process, from pre-production to the actual filming.
The seamless combination of creative and logistical efforts by these production companies resulted in a successful and polished final product. Their commitment to excellence enabled them to deliver a film that is both engaging and impactful, showcasing the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar.
Review
Chandu Champion is a powerful and moving tribute to Murlikant Petkar’s life and legacy. Kartik Aaryan delivers a standout performance as Petkar, capturing the athlete’s determination, struggles, and triumphs with depth and authenticity. His portrayal brings to light the emotional and physical challenges Petkar faced, making the character both relatable and inspiring. Vijay Raaz shines as the supportive yet tough coach, Tiger Ali, adding layers to the mentor-mentee relationship that is central to the story.
Kabir Khan’s direction and the screenplay by Sumit Arora and Sudipto Sarkar skillfully blend biographical elements with dramatic storytelling, creating a narrative that is both informative and deeply engaging. The cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee beautifully captures the various phases of Petkar’s life, from the quaint village scenes to the intense war sequences and the vibrant atmosphere of the Paralympics.
The music, composed by Pritam with a score by Julius Packiam, enhances the emotional beats of the film, making the story resonate even more with the audience. The songs are thoughtfully integrated, serving to uplift and reflect the protagonist’s journey.
Cast and Characters
Lead Roles
- The film boasts a talented cast that brings the story to life with compelling performances:
- Kartik Aaryan: Stars as Murlikant Petkar, portraying the athlete’s journey from a determined young boy to a war-injured soldier and finally a celebrated Paralympic champion.
- Vijay Raaz: Plays the role of Petkar’s coach, Tiger Ali, whose mentorship and belief in Petkar are pivotal in shaping his journey.
- Bhuvan Arora: As Petkar’s friend and fellow soldier, adds depth to the narrative with his supportive role.
- Sonali Kulkarni: Provides the narration, guiding the audience through Petkar’s life and triumphs with her engaging voice-over.
Other Cast Members
- Adonis Kapsalis: Kapsalis’s character provides an international perspective, reflecting the global nature of the Paralympic Games.
- Bhuvan Arora: Arora’s subtle performance helps flesh out the broader narrative, adding layers to the story.
- Palak Lalwani: Lalwani’s character offers additional insight into Petkar’s life, enhancing the audience’s understanding and support for him.
Filming and Post-Production
Shooting in London
Filming for “Chandu Champion” began in London on July 14th, 2023. The choice of location was crucial, as it provided diverse settings that accurately represented various stages of Petkar’s life and career, including international arenas where he competed. The vibrant and historical locales of London added authenticity to the scenes, making them visually appealing and true to the story.
Completion and Post-Production
The filming wrapped up in February 2024, followed by an intensive post-production phase. Skilled editors worked diligently to streamline the narrative flow while preserving the emotional and inspirational core of the story. The post-production phase also included visual effects and sound design, which added the final touches to the film, ensuring it was ready for release.
Trailer Release
The trailer for the movie premiered on May 18th, 2024, with a runtime of three minutes and fifteen seconds. It offers a glimpse into the storyline, characters, and emotional depth of the movie. The trailer highlights key moments from Petkar’s journey, showcasing themes of persistence, tenacity, and victory. Fans have praised it for its inspiring portrayal of a true story and the powerful performances of the cast.
Songs and Music
First Song – “Satyanaas”
Released on May 24th, 2024, “Satyanaas” is considered the most significant scene in “Chandu Champion,” capturing viewers’ attention with its extended runtime and emotional intensity.
Second Song
On May 30th, 2024, a second song was released, lasting two minutes and forty-five seconds, enhancing the film’s rich musicality. These songs are crafted to evoke the emotions present in the film, serving as a key part of the promotional strategy to attract audiences through their lyrics and melodies.
Box Office
As of July 4, 2024, this movie has earned ₹71.85 crore in India and ₹13.79 crore internationally, bringing its worldwide total to ₹85.64 crore.
Some Facts about Murlikant Petkar’s Life
Murlikant Petkar, born on October 12, 1944, in Maharashtra, India, lived a remarkable life filled with incredible achievements and awards. Here are some important facts about his journey:
- Military Service and Injury: Petkar joined the Indian Army and served as a soldier. During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, he suffered a serious injury that left his left arm permanently disabled. Despite this setback, he remained determined to overcome challenges.
- Paralympic Debut: Despite his disability, Petkar discovered a passion for swimming and began training vigorously. In 1972, he made his debut at the Paralympic Games held in Heidelberg, Germany. This marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in international sports.
- Historic Gold Medal: At the 1972 Paralympics, Murlikant Petkar made history by winning India’s first-ever Paralympic Gold Medal. He achieved this milestone in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a new world record with his outstanding performance.
- Recognition and Awards: Petkar’s exceptional achievement at the Paralympics earned him widespread recognition. In 1973, he was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award, a highly esteemed accolade in India for outstanding athletes.
- Legacy and Inspiration: Murlikant Petkar’s story continues to inspire people around the world. His journey exemplifies courage, determination, and the power of overcoming adversity. He remains a symbol of hope and resilience, showing that with dedication and passion, one can achieve greatness regardless of challenges.
Murlikant Petkar’s legacy in Indian sports history is profound, leaving an enduring impact on generations of athletes and individuals alike. His achievements serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities for success.
Some Reviews of Chandu Champion
Gulf News describes Chandu Champion as a “rocky journey of guts, glory, and gold” with strong performances by Kartik Aaryan and Vijay Raaz. The film effectively captures the essence of Murlikant Petkar’s life but is noted to be somewhat exploitative in its approach to evoke emotions from the audience.
India Today highlights that while the story is a familiar underdog sports narrative, the film stands out due to its heartfelt execution and strong performances. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Petkar is lauded for its sincerity and emotional depth, making the film a worthy watch despite its formulaic structure.
Movie Talkies commends the honest efforts of Kabir Khan and Kartik Aaryan in bringing Murlikant Petkar’s story to the screen. The film is appreciated for its inspirational message and the strong performance of the lead actors, though it faces criticism for not fully exploring all aspects of Petkar’s life.
