Chandu Champion celebrates the remarkable life of Murlikant Petkar, an army man and athlete who clinched India’s first Paralympic gold in 1972. His journey, shrouded in anonymity, unfolds through time – from the 1950s to 2018 when he was finally honored with the Padma Shri. Oscillating between past and present, the film captures Petkar’s strange love-hate relationship with fate and God. Surviving against all odds, he dared to question naysayers, igniting the fire within him.
Director Kabir Khan weaves a narrative that defies conventions. Unlike typical sports biopics, Chandu Champion isn’t just about excelling in a particular sport. Petkar’s relentless pursuit of an Olympic medal leads him through wrestling, boxing, and swimming – an ambitious yet captivating journey. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal resonates with the character’s inner turmoil, mirroring his own ambition as an actor. The film reclaims storytelling, expressing truth rather than merely impressing.
The cinematography, helmed by Anil Mehta, paints a vivid canvas. The dusty wrestling pits, the azure swimming pools, and the sweat-soaked boxing rings come alive. The camera captures Petkar’s struggle – the prosthetic leg, the pain, and the determination etched on his face. The background score by A. R. Rahman is hauntingly beautiful, underscoring both triumph and despair.
The screenplay, penned by Juhi Chaturvedi, balances nostalgia with urgency. Flashbacks reveal Petkar’s childhood dreams, his accident during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and his relentless training. The emotional core lies in his relationship with his coach (played by Pankaj Tripathi), who becomes both mentor and father figure. Their banter, laced with humor and wisdom, adds depth.
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However, the film occasionally stumbles. The second act drags, and some subplots feel underdeveloped. The romantic angle between Petkar and his childhood sweetheart (played by Kiara Advani) lacks chemistry. The climax, though emotionally charged, could have been tighter.
Despite these flaws, Chandu Champion leaves an indelible mark. It celebrates resilience, the human spirit, and the power of dreams. As Petkar stands on the podium, the tricolor draped around his shoulders, we cheer not just for a champion but for the unsung heroes who defy limitations.