Chandu Champion Movie Review: An Inspiring Tale of Triumph Over Adversity

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JUNE 15,2024

"Chandu Champion," released on June 14, is an inspiring biopic that brings to light the remarkable story of Murlikant Petkar, the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal in swimming at the Heidelberg Games in 1972. Directed by Kabir Khan, this film isn't just about a forgotten story it's about celebrating an extraordinary hero. The film stars Kartik Aaryan in a career-defining role, and it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the human spirit.

A stellar performance by Kartik Aaryan

People can't stop praising the lead actor, Kartik Aaryan, who plays Murlikant Petkar. Aaryan recreates Petkar's life journey, starting from his humble beginnings as a frail 'pehelwan' in his village 'akhada' to his time as a jawan in the Indian Army, where he trained to be a boxer. Aaryan's portrayal of Petkar's transformation from a nearly triumphant boxer to overcoming the constraints of his disability is both powerful and moving.

In the opening scenes, which depict Murlikant's childhood in Sangli, Maharashtra, Kartik shows his versatility. He convincingly embodies a tough yet tender, dedicated, and sincere athlete, demonstrating he is just as capable of serious roles as he is of playing a goofy lover in Pyaar ka Punchnama. His conviction and ability to ace such a challenging role are commendable.

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"Chandu Champion" tells us that Murlikant Petkar did not let grinding poverty, ridicule from friends and family, or even the horrific injuries he sustained in the 1965 war, which left him paralysed from the waist down, deter him from achieving his lifelong goal. The film beautifully captures his relentless spirit and determination.

'Chandu Champion makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it makes you believe in yourself. It's an extraordinary film by Kabir Khan,' film critic Rohit Jaiswal stated, and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. He praised Kartik Aaryan's performance, calling it his career-best.

The film's first half lays a solid foundation, but it's the second half that truly elevates this biopic. As one social media user noted, 'The second half elevates this biopic into one of Kabir Khan's best and pushes Kartik Aaryan into a new league of his acting career. Sudeep Chatterjee's lensing in the second half is a thing of joy.'

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Kabir Khan's direction shines through the entire movie

Kabir Khan's direction shines through in his belief in the story. He avoids the usual melodramatic tropes often seen in Hindi cinema, such as over-the-top patriotic dialogues, excessive crying, and song-and-dance sequences. Instead, Khan delivers a mostly hero-centric film, also shedding light on the often unfair treatment of athletes, particularly para-athletes, by government bodies and the general ignorance of their achievements among the Indian populace.

Dramatising a life story and making it appealing to mainstream audiences is no small feat. "Chandu Champion" is handsomely mounted, with clear ambition and unwavering commitment. However, it sometimes hovers close to being formulaic, which highlights the difficulty in making such narratives feel fresh. Despite this, the film succeeds in evoking the kind of fulfilment reminiscent of classic underdog sports movies.

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Chandu Champion's supporting cast elevates the film to another level

The film perks up significantly with the arrival of Vijay Raaz as the irascible boxing coach, Tiger Ali. Raaz's natural acting prowess makes his character both tactile and believable, and his emotional reaction to Petkar's win in the climax is truly touching.

The nicest parts of the film involve Aaryan and Raaz. Their tremendous performances add a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to the story. Additionally, actors like Brijendra Kala, Rajpal Yadav, and Bhuvan Arora, though appearing briefly, leave a lasting impact with their effortless performances.

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Conclusion

"Chandu Champion" is a must-watch because of the devotion of its actors and the vision of its director. It's a feel-good experience that tells a compelling story of grit and perseverance. Kartik Aaryan's outstanding performance, coupled with strong support from the cast and Kabir Khan's direction, makes "Chandu Champion" a must-watch film that celebrates an unsung hero and inspires us all to believe in ourselves.