It’s been two years since Chandu Champion hit theatres, yet the sports drama continues to resonate with audiences through its inspiring portrayal of resilience, determination, and triumph against the odds. More importantly, the film introduced millions to the extraordinary journey of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar, while showcasing what many believe is Kartik Aaryan’s most transformative performance to date.
Chandu Champion completes two years as Murlikant Petkar praises Kartik Aaryan's dedication and backs him for a National Award.
Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film received widespread acclaim for its emotional storytelling and authentic representation of a sporting icon. Now, as Chandu Champion celebrates its second anniversary, Petkar has reflected on the film’s enduring impact and openly endorsed Kartik Aaryan for one of Indian cinema’s highest honours.
Bringing an Untold Sporting Hero Into the Spotlight
For years, Murlikant Petkar’s historic achievements remained largely absent from mainstream conversations despite his remarkable contribution to Indian sports. However, Chandu Champion changed that narrative in a significant way.
According to Petkar, the film gave his story a much broader platform and helped introduce his journey to audiences across generations. As a result, more people today recognize not only his achievements but also the determination that fueled them.
Furthermore, he revealed that many individuals now approach him to share how deeply the film affected them. While some discovered India’s Paralympic history for the first time through the movie, others found inspiration in his journey to overcome personal challenges.
Consequently, Petkar believes the film has successfully brought attention to an important yet often overlooked chapter of Indian sporting history.
Creating a New Perspective on Para-Athletes
Beyond telling his personal story, Petkar believes the film has also contributed to a broader social change.
Previously, para-athletes were frequently viewed through a lens of sympathy. However, according to Petkar, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years. Increasingly, people are beginning to recognize para-sportspersons as elite athletes who compete with the same intensity, dedication, and commitment as any other sportsperson.
Moreover, he feels that Chandu Champion played an important role in encouraging this change by highlighting the hard work, discipline, and sacrifices required to excel at the highest level.
As awareness continues to grow, Petkar hopes that more young athletes with disabilities will feel encouraged to pursue their ambitions and receive the respect they deserve.
Murlikant Petkar Praises Kartik Aaryan’s Dedication
While discussing the film’s success, Petkar reserved some of his strongest praise for Kartik Aaryan.
According to the Paralympic champion, Kartik approached the role with sincerity, discipline, and immense respect. Rather than simply portraying a character, the actor committed himself to understanding the emotional and physical realities of Petkar’s life.
In fact, Kartik underwent a remarkable physical transformation and dedicated months to intense preparation for the role. Consequently, his performance felt authentic and emotionally grounded, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the story.
Not surprisingly, this level of commitment left a lasting impression on Petkar himself.
“Kartik Aaryan Deserves the National Award”
Perhaps the most striking moment from Petkar’s reflections came when he spoke about the recognition Kartik deserves for his performance.
“Kartik Aaryan deserves the National Award for his hard work and dedication,” Petkar stated.
Notably, such praise carries considerable significance because it comes directly from the man whose life story inspired the film.
Furthermore, Petkar emphasized that Kartik treated his journey with dignity and authenticity. Instead of focusing solely on achievements and victories, the actor captured the emotional complexities behind them.
According to Petkar, Kartik successfully portrayed the moments of self-doubt, frustration, anger, and perseverance that shaped his journey. As a result, audiences were able to witness the human side of a champion rather than just the medals and accolades.
Capturing the Struggles Behind the Success
What impressed Petkar the most was Kartik’s ability to portray the emotional depth of his experiences.
Rather than presenting the story as a straightforward tale of triumph, the actor highlighted the internal battles that often remain unseen. He brought vulnerability, pain, and determination to the forefront, making the narrative more relatable and impactful.
Moreover, Petkar noted that Kartik approached every aspect of the role with complete honesty. That sincerity ultimately helped transform the film from a conventional sports drama into an emotionally powerful cinematic experience.
Because of this, audiences connected with the story on a far deeper level.
A Career-Defining Performance for Kartik Aaryan
For Kartik Aaryan, Chandu Champion marked a significant turning point in his career.
Although he had already established himself as a successful commercial star, this role allowed him to showcase an entirely different side of his acting abilities. Consequently, both critics and audiences praised his commitment and transformation.
The performance eventually earned Kartik his first Filmfare Best Actor (Critics) award, further cementing his reputation as a versatile performer capable of taking on challenging roles.
Even today, two years after the film’s release, many continue to regard Chandu Champion as one of the strongest performances of his career.
Why Chandu Champion Continues to Inspire
Two years later, Chandu Champion remains relevant because its message extends far beyond sports.
The film sparked meaningful conversations about perseverance, inclusion, disability awareness, and the importance of celebrating unsung heroes. At the same time, it helped shine a brighter spotlight on India’s para-athletes and their extraordinary achievements.
Ultimately, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its powerful reminder that true champions are defined not only by their victories but also by the obstacles they overcome along the way.
As the film celebrates its second anniversary, its legacy continues to grow. And with Murlikant Petkar publicly backing Kartik Aaryan for a National Award, the conversation surrounding the actor’s remarkable performance is once again gaining momentum.
