Chandu Champion
Kabir Khan does a good job of letting the narrative’s subtleties take centre stage by choosing not to paint this true story on a large canvas. A journalist states in a conversation in Chandu Champion, “This is a story that’s difficult to believe, but important to tell.”
That one sentence perfectly captures the spirit of this endearing narrative that honours the valiant path of an unsung and forgotten hero. The biographical sports play, directed by Kabir Khan, is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, the first gold medallist from India in the Paralympic Games. It portrays Murli’s successes and failures equally.
Chandu Champion: Plot
Murli is an incredible athlete whose journey from being an underdog to a champion genuinely inspires and touches you. He simply won’t give up or submit to the challenges life hands him. Kabir allows the narrative’s subtlety and simplicity take centre stage instead than painting this true story on a large canvas, and it succeeds.
I adored how he infused the story with a healthy amount of humour to make it seem so accessible and enjoyable. Steer clear of the army camp training scene where this group is marching to the beat of O Gore Gore Banke Chore, as well as the airport scene where Murli is afraid to board a plane and reacts when it eventually takes off.
In the present day, the film opens with an elderly Murli (Kartik Aaryan) sitting in a police station telling a group of cops about his illustrious days and persuading them that, after 40 years, he deserves to be awarded an Arjuna Award by the government. He tells the story of his life through a series of flashbacks, starting with his early years of training in the army, learning professional boxing, and becoming known as the “Wonder Boy from India.” He also discusses his obsession as an adolescent, focused on winning an Olympic gold medal for India.
The 1965 Kashmir conflict that ensues sees Murli absorb nine bullets while attempting to save his comrades. Despite this, he survives for two years and eventually comes back to life, but with paralysis from the waist down. Since he is unable to walk on land, he turns water into his playground and picks up swimming in an attempt to fulfil his Olympic goal and break a world record. What makes Chandu Champion so great is how this khota sikka changes his destiny and turns into a hukum ka ikka.
Kartik Aaryan’s Film Production Status
Kudos to Kartik Aaryan for masterfully capturing Murli’s essence and mannerisms, and for bringing them to life with a sincere portrayal that demonstrates his attention to detail. The physical changes he has undergone to appear the part, as well as the workshops and training that go into every picture, really knock you for a loop, particularly in the boxing and wrestling scenes. Kartik has a sense of balance in his performance, giving his all in the emotionally charged moments while still making you laugh with his comedic timing.
Kartik does a good job of conveying his age without going too far in terms of body language. Kudos to Kabir for bringing out the best in Kartik and for forcing the unsophisticated and undeveloped Pyaar Ka Punchnama youngster to take on a task as difficult as Chandu Champion.
In my opinion, Chandu Champion alternates between “Main Kar Lega” and “Hasta Kaiko Hai?” It gives you faith in the ability of the average man to dream large and silence all of the doubters who will scorn and ridicule him along the road.
Murli’s self-assurance, perseverance, and technique of turning around to remark, “Chandu nahi, champion hoon main,” convey a lot about these qualities. The non-linear narrative of the story, which was co-written by Kabir, Sumit Arora, and Sudipto Sarkar, has many high spots and a few low points, but you can honestly look past them because it is so captivating.
The screenplay does seem a little lopsided in the middle, especially when the tale loses momentum and becomes a touch too repetitious in the second half following an incredibly captivating first half. Kartik, though, maintains his position, and the outstanding leadership quickly gets things back on course.
Sports dramas can occasionally lean towards preachiness, or in the event of a biography, the protagonist is portrayed as an unbeatable hero. There are no such areas that Kabir visits in Chandu Champion. He only walks us through Murli’s struggle, hardships, commitment, determination, and hard work that enable him to achieve his goal in spite of his family’s lack of support and the society’s relentless mockery. Furthermore, there are no elaborate dialogue flourishes throughout the movie, but you don’t mind.
You’re more interested in the idea of getting to know and understand Murli as a driven individual. But I really would have wanted to see more of Murli’s private life, including his time spent with his wife and children. For example, the part where his family visits him years after the war is really moving, particularly when Murli’s brother lets him know that things have changed. It is distressing to see him left alone in a wheelchair by his mother and brother in the photo.
Though Sarphira and Satyanaas don’t particularly stand out as stand-alone songs, Chandu Champion’s soundtrack works nicely with the narrative and doesn’t seem out of place.
A number of characters improve the movie, even if Kartik is still at the core of it. As Karnail Singh, Bhuvan Arora gives a powerful performance, complementing Kartik as the sole person he makes friends with during his days of boxing and army training. In certain scenes, their camaraderie is really sparking. In his little screen time, Aniruddh Dave, who plays Murli’s brother, leaves a lasting impression. A special thanks to Vijay Raaz for lending soul to the story in his role as boxing coach Tiger Ali.
For once, I’m relieved he has a deep and intriguing character arc rather than just being employed as comedic relief. Raaz is fantastic in every frame, starting from the opening sequence in which he mispronounces everyone’s name in the boxing ring and continuing as Murli’s rock until the very end. Sonali Kulkarni, who plays the journalist who decides to repeat Murli’s story after it was forgotten by the world, might have had a better character sketch rather than just playing the storyteller. Shreyas Talpade, who plays the humorous cop, doesn’t have much to do.
If you’ve enjoyed and valued Bollywood’s passion for sports dramas thus far, Chandu Champion is a stunning contribution to the genre that never stops inspiring us with its narratives. And following the lacklustre box office reception his 2021 movie, the Ranveer Singh-starring ’83, received, Chandu Champion appears to be the ideal comeback for both Kabir Khan and its actor, Kartik Aaryan, who doesn’t like to be pigeonholed.
Chandu Champion Release Date
Kartik Aaryan’s unspirational sports drama film is hoing to release on 14th June 2024, Friday. Whoever is going to watch the film on first day in theatres can book the tickets at just Rs. 150.
Here is the trailer:
