Chandu Champion (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – A man who faced one adversary after another with an undying spirit. His unwavering zeal and never give up attitude led to India’s first individual gold medal in any form of the Olympics.

My Take – The biggest pull for any sport biopic, along with the star attached to it, is to showcase how the particularly talented and now known individual defied all odds to excel in the sports they chose or vice versa.

But what makes this latest addition to the genre immediately feel different is how the man at the center of subject was not focused on the sport, but only desperate to win an Olympic medal, and for that he switched from wrestling to boxing and then to swimming.

Yes, while that might sound incredibly preposterous, ridiculously ambitious, and a bit vague without highlighting the reasons behind the switches, but that is exactly what Murlikant Petkar did. An army man and athlete who won India its first Paralympic gold medal in 1972. Whose achievements and remarkable tryst with destiny lurked in anonymity, until he decided to claim the honor and respect he deserved.

Celebrating his fascinating and surrealistic life is director Kabir Khan (New York, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 83) and co-writers Sumit Arora and Sudipto Sarkar, who bring to life his inspiring journey, and highlight his struggles, triumphs, and indomitable spirit in the form of a potent blend of drama, humor and action.

Resulting in a stirring cinematic portrayal of resilience and triumph against the odds, that is not just a sports biopic but a heartfelt tribute to a man who defied all odds in his relentless pursuit of his dreams.

Sure, the film follows a familiar template, but led by director Kabir Khan‘s vision and Kartik Aaryan‘s compelling performance, it makes for a worthy watch for those seeking a heartfelt and motivating story.

The story follows Murlikant (Kartik Aaryan), who despite born in a small village in Sangli, Maharashtra, grew up with the dream of winning an Olympics medal for his country. Unsure of how to go about it, he joins a local akhada to learn wrestling, but while he picks up the nuts and bolts required over the years, with the general impression about him being a loser looming largely over him, no one, including his master and family, ever take him seriously.

That is of course, until he proves his worth but is forced to run away from the village. However, a meeting with Garnail Singh (Bhuvan Arora), his unexpected savior, finally gives him a direction. As Garnail, being a boxer himself, informs him that the fastest way to qualify for representation at the Olympics is by joining the Indian army. Here on, under the guidance of coach Tiger Ali (Vijay Raaz), Murlikant begins an incredible journey full of victories and setbacks.

Oscillating between 2017 and the past, the story takes us through Murlikant’s life, as we discover a man who nurtured an Olympic dream since his childhood has a strange love-hate relationship with fate and God. He survived when he didn’t hope he would and was left devastated when he least expected. However, never defeated.

The screenplay deftly balances the various phases of his life, ensuring that each moment, whether triumphant or tragic, resonates with the audience. With the film’s pacing allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in his journey, from the initial ridicule he faces to his eventual rise as a national hero.

This narrative structure not only highlights the personal and societal challenges Murlikant overcomes but also serves as a broader commentary on the resilience of the human spirit. Director Kabir Khan’s film celebrates about building oneself as a champion, even when the world labels you as a loser or looks at you as a laughing stock.

One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its depiction of the socio-political environment of the time. The challenges faced by disabled athletes in India, particularly the 70s era, are poignantly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the prejudice and lack of support he faced, making his eventual triumph all the more inspiring.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing could have been tighter. Some scenes seem to drag, particularly in the third act. And while the film is never not engaging, the film could have been more effective if it had also focused on our titular protagonist’s inner conflicts along with the events of his life.

Nevertheless, the film deserves all praise, particularly due to Kartik Aaryan‘s portrayal of Murlikant Petkar. Known mainly for his comedic roles, here, Aaryan demonstrates tremendous range and depth, embodying the physical and emotional struggles of his character with authenticity and intensity. His dedication to the role is evident in his physical transformation and the raw emotion he brings to the screen, capturing Murlikant‘s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Aaryan captures the essence of an underdog with sincerity and passion, drawing viewers into this world with every scene.

Equally impressive is Vijay Raaz, who dominates the screen, portraying the coach’s unwavering belief in Murlikant with nuance and intensity. The chemistry between Aaryan and Raaz adds a compelling layer to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support in one’s journey.

In supporting roles, Bhuvan Arora and Rajpal Yadav provide lighthearted moments, while Bhagyashri Borse, Shreyas Talpade, Sonali Kulkarni and Brijendra Kala are decent in smaller roles. On the whole, ‘Chandu Champion’ is a compelling and engaging sports biopic anchored by Kartik Aaryan‘s career-defining performance.