Chandu Champion Explained

Chandu Champion
Director:Kabir Khan
Producer:Sajid Nadiadwala
Kabir Khan
Starring:Kartik Aaryan
Vijay Raaz
Bhuvan Arora
Narrator:Sonali Kulkarni
Cinematography:Sudeep Chatterjee
Editing:Nitin Baid
Music:Songs:
Pritam
Score:
Julius Packiam
Studio:Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
Kabir Khan Films
Distributor:Pen Marudhar Entertainment
Runtime:142 minutes[1]
Country:India
Language:Hindi
Budget:70–140 crore[2] [3]
Gross: [4]

Chandu Champion is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film written and directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. It stars Kartik Aaryan as India's first Paralympics gold medallist Murlikant Petkar.[5] [6]

Principal photography took place from July 2023 to January 2024 with filming held in London, Wai and Jammu and Kashmir. Chandu Champion was released on 14 June 2024.[7]

Plot

2017: An aged Murlikant Petkar arrives at a local police station, saying that he wants to file a complaint against the President of India for not being awarded the Arjuna Award for his achievements. He adds that him winning the award would help in the development of his village. When questioned by an officer about his eligibility, he recounts his remarkable journey:

1952: Murlikant grows up in a small village called Peth Islampur in Maharashtra. At a young age, he develops the ambition to win an Olympic gold medal for India, for which he is mocked and made fun of by his classmates and also scolded by his father.

Events lead him to run away from home and join the Indian Army Corps of EME, where he is selected and trained as a boxer. He is selected to represent India in boxing at the International Services Sports Meet 1964 in Tokyo, where he does well, but loses in the final round because he is distracted and not focused enough. Disappointed at his losing in spite of his potential, his coach Tiger Ali refuses to train him further.

1965: Their unit is involved in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, in which their camp comes under air attack. He is injured severely, with a bullet injuring his spine, rendering him a paraplegic. He is admitted to an infirmary for the war wounded, where, depressed at his condition and that he can never win an Olympic Gold, he has given up on life and attempts suicide.

1972: His former coach Tiger Ali visits him in the infirmary, and inspires him to compete in the Paralympics. He trains hard and qualifies for the 1972 Summer Paralympics in the 50 m freestyle swimming event. While he is there, the Palestinian terrorist attack on Olympics takes place, due to which the Paralympics is shifted to a different venue at Heidelberg. At the new venue, he is successful in progressing through the multiple heats and ultimately wins the Gold Medal, setting a new World record. Once news reaches his village, he becomes a celebrity and is welcomed back by the villagers with great fanfare.

2017: However, his achievements are forgotten over the years. The police inspector is impressed by his story but still suspicious about its authenticity. He contacts a journalist to write an article about him. Upon reading the article as well as receiving Petkar's application for the Arjuna Award, he is visited by a senior government official, who tells him that the Arjuna Award is too small an award for his achievements, and the government has instead decided to award him the Padma Shri.

2018: On 20 March, he received the Padma Shri from the President of India.[8]

It is narrated at the end that the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar is a fruitful and befitting reply to all ups and down in life, crossing all obstacles, each and every mocking and every fun made of, with the dialogue by Murli, Ae, hasta kaiko hai? (Why are you laughing?).

Production

Development

Kabir Khan first announced the film in July 2022.[9] The film was officially announced with a motion poster on 4 July 2023 by Sajid Nadiadwala, to be directed by Kabir Khan and starring Kartik Aaryan.[10] [11]

Casting

Kartik Aaryan was chosen to play the lead, in his second collaboration with producer Sajid Nadiadwala after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023).[12] Aaryan underwent a significant physical change for the role, reducing his body fat percentage from a remarkable 39% to a slender 7% over a span of only 14 months.[13]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 12 July 2023 with a Muhurta puja held in London, where the first schedule was also completed.[14] [15] The second schedule commenced on 24 September 2023 in Kashmir.[16] The crew also filmed the movie at Wai village in Maharashtra.[17] Filming wrapped after eight months on 31 January 2024.[18] A challenging 8 minute single shot war sequence was shot at Aru Valley in Jammu at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level.[19] [20]

Music

Chandu Champion
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Pritam
Released:15 June 2024
Recorded:2023–24
Genre:Feature film soundtrack
Length:30:45
Label:T-Series
Prev Title:Merry Christmas
Prev Year:2024
Year:2024

The music for the film is composed by Pritam, while lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, IP Singh and Kausar Munir. The first single titled "Satyanaas" was released on 24 May 2024.[21] The second single "Tu Hai Champion" was released on 30 May 2024.[22] The third single titled "Sarphira" was released on 8 June 2024.

Marketing

The film's trailer was released on 8 May 2024 at Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Aaryan's hometown Gwalior.[23] Aaryan promoted the film at the dance reality show Dance Deewane.[24] A special screening of the film was held for the Indian Army officers on 5 June 2024 in Delhi where Petkar was felicitated.[25]

Release

Theatrical

The film was theatrically released on 14 June 2024.[7]

Home media

The film was premiered on Amazon Prime Video from 9 August 2024.[26]

Reception

A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Chandu Champion rests on Kartik Aaryan's powerful performance and some strong moments."[27] Nishad Thaivalappil of News18 rated the film 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "Overall, Chandu Champion, skilfully directed by Kabir Khan, proves irresistible with its powerful feel-good story."[28]

Vinamra Mathur of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Kartik Aaryan delivers an earnest performance in Murlikant Petkar's inspiring story."[29] Arushi Jain of India Today rated the film 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "What makes the Kartik Aaryan-led film worth a watch, is the way that Kabir Khan truly believes in his story and turns it into a feel-good experience."[30]

Sukanya Verma of Rediff rated 2.5/5 stars and notes "Chandu Champion is Kartik Aaryan's most ambitious work so far and the actor's muscular gusto is undeniable. There's visible fire in the man's belly but not enough soul."[31] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Kartik Aaryan makes you root for his character even though Kabir Khan's film falls into declarative, underlined patches."[32]

Box Office

As of 11 July 2024, Chandu Champion has grossed in India and overseas for a worldwide total of .

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Chandu Champion (12A) . . 14 June 2024 . 14 June 2024 . 14 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240614085338/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/chandu-champion-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdixnte5 . live .
  2. News: Soni. Narendra. 14 June 2024. जानें कितना है चंदू चैंपियन का बजट, कितनी ली कार्तिक आर्यन ने फीस और ब्लॉकबस्टर बनने के लिए फिल्म को कमाने होंगे कितने करोड़. Know what is the budget of Chandu Champion, how much fee did Kartik Aaryan take and how many crore will the film have to earn to become a blockbuster. NDTV. hi. 18 June 2024. 18 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240618133606/https://ndtv.in/bollywood/chandu-champion-budget-kartik-aryan-fees-for-chandu-champion-how-much-collection-will-make-chandu-champion-blockbuster-5879684. live.
  3. News: Kartik Aaryans Chandu Champion Surpasses Production Budget With Worldwide Gross Collection Of Rs 96 Cr. Zee News. 20 July 2024. 9 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240809145044/https://zeenews.india.com/bollywood/kartik-aaryans-chandu-champion-surpasses-production-budget-with-worldwide-gross-collection-of-rs-96-cr-2763284.html. live.
  4. News: Chandu Champion Box Office. Bollywood Hungama. 23 June 2024. en. 5 August 2024. 5 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240805052504/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/chandu-champion/box-office/. live.
  5. News: 1 February 2024 . Kartik Aaryan completes shooting of Kabir Khan's 'Chandu Champion' . 12 February 2024 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212183656/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kartik-aaryan-completes-shooting-of-kabir-khans-chandu-champion/article67799809.ece . live .
  6. News: 31 January 2024 . Kartik Aaryan's astonishing transformation for 'Chandu Champion' leaves Arjuna Awardee Virdhawal Khade in awe . 12 February 2024 . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212183909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kartik-aaryans-astonishing-transformation-for-chandu-champion-leaves-arjuna-awardee-virdhawal-khade-in-awe/articleshow/107278908.cms . live .
  7. Web site: Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan films 8-minute-long single-shot war sequence. 12 October 2023. Deccan Herald. 9 January 2024. 9 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240109121118/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/chandu-champion-kartik-aaryan-films-8-minute-long-single-shot-war-sequence-2723225. live.
  8. Web site: PRESIDENT PADMA AWARDS MURLIKANT RAJARAM PETKAR. The Hindu. 17 June 2024. 17 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240617190632/https://thehinduimages.com/details-page.php?id=198325074. live.
  9. Web site: Kabir Khan announces next film with Kartik Aaryan, says actor will be in a completely new avatar. 18 July 2023. Indian Express. 9 January 2024. 28 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240628164751/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kabir-khan-announces-next-film-with-kartik-aaryan-8036085/. live.
  10. Web site: Kartik Aaryan-Kabir Khan's film titled 'Chandu Champion', to release in June 2024. 4 July 2023. The Hindu. 9 January 2024. 8 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231108191645/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kartik-aaryan-kabir-khans-film-titled-chandu-champion-to-release-in-june-2024/article67041193.ece. live.
  11. Web site: Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan announces title and release date of film with Kabir Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala. 4 July 2023. Hindustan Times. 9 January 2024. 9 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240109121120/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/chandu-champion-kartik-aaryan-release-date-kabir-khan-sajid-nadiadwala-101688467489199.html. live.
  12. Web site: Kartik Aaryan's film with Kabir Khan titled Chandu Champion, release date announced. 4 July 2023. Indian Express. 9 January 2024. 9 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240109121118/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kartik-aaryans-film-with-kabir-khan-titled-chandu-champion-release-date-announced-8743538/. live.
  13. Web site: 2024-06-07 . Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan shares photo of dropping his body fat percentage from 39% to 7% in just 14 months: "From being an insomniac to turning into a fitness enthusiast" 39 . 2024-06-08 . . en . 8 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240608072733/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/chandu-champion-kartik-aaryan-shares-photo-dropping-body-fat-percentage-39-7-just-14-months-insomniac-turning-fitness-enthusiast/ . live .
  14. Web site: Kartik Aaryan Starts The Shoot Of Chandu Champion With Kabir Khan. 13 July 2023. ABP News. 9 January 2024. 9 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240109121118/https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/after-satyaprem-ki-katha-kartik-aaryan-starts-shooting-chandu-champion-with-kabir-khan-1615548. live.
  15. News: 29 September 2023 . Sajid Nadiadwala's 30th film 'Chandu Champion' starring Kartik Aaryan to be shot in Kashmir . 12 February 2024 . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184202/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sajid-nadiadwalas-30th-film-chandu-champion-starring-kartik-aaryan-to-be-shot-in-kashmir/articleshow/104045128.cms . live .
  16. Web site: Kartik Aaryan to shoot for Chandu Champion in Kashmir. 18 September 2023. Film Companion. 9 January 2024. 9 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240109121119/https://www.filmcompanion.in/news/kartik-aaryan-to-shoot-for-chandu-champion-in-kashmir. live.
  17. Web site: 6 February 2024 . From the UK to Wai, Kartik Aaryan's 'Chandu Champion' movie has been extensively shot in and outside India . 12 February 2024 . Mid-day . en . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212190221/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/from-the-uk-to-wai-kartik-aaryans-chandu-champion-movie-has-been-extensively-shot-in-and-outside-india-23333731 . live .
  18. News: Kartik Aaryan wraps up Chandu Champion by tasting rasmalai after a year of sugar-free diet. 1 February 2024. 1 February 2024. Telegraph India. 1 February 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240201055303/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/kartik-aaryan-wraps-up-chandu-champion-by-tasting-rasmalai-after-a-year-of-sugar-free-diet/cid/1997581. live.
  19. Web site: Kartik shoots 8-minute war sequence for 'Chandu Champion': Most difficult... . 12 February 2024 . India Today . 12 October 2023 . en . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212184835/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kartik-aarya-shoots-8-minute-war-sequence-for-chandu-champion-most-difficult-2447962-2023-10-12 . live .
  20. Web site: Kartik Aaryan Breaks Down Chandu Champion's "Single Shot War Scene" . 12 February 2024 . NDTV.com . 12 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240212185558/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kartik-aaryan-on-chandu-champion-s-8-minutes-long-single-shot-war-scene-4473787 . live .
  21. News: Chandu Champion Song Satyanaas: Kartik Aaryan Dances Like Nobody Is Watching. 24 May 2024. NDTV. 25 May 2024. 25 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240525014854/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/chandu-champion-song-satyanaas-kartik-aaryan-dances-like-nobody-is-watching-5737656. live.
  22. News: Chandu Champion song Tu Champion Hai: Kartik Aaryan turns trials into triumph in Arijit Singh's inspiring song . 1 June 2024 . The Indian Express . 30 May 2024 . 31 May 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240531202120/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chandu-champion-song-tu-champion-hai-kartik-aaryan-turns-trials-into-triumph-9362038/ . live .
  23. Web site: Historic launch of Chandu Champion's Trailer in Gwalior . 2024-06-08 . Hindustan Times . 21 May 2024 . en . 8 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240608153943/https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/historic-launch-of-chandu-champion-s-trailer-in-gwalior-101716273333770.html . live .
  24. Web site: Kartik Aaryan dances with 'legendary' Madhuri Dixit to Chandu Champion song Satyanaas. Watch . 2024-06-08 . Hindustan Times . 25 May 2024 . en . 8 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240608170125/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-dances-with-legendary-madhuri-dixit-to-chandu-champion-song-satyanaas-watch-101716631040377.html . live .
  25. Web site: 2024-06-07 . Kabir Khan on the special screening of Chandu Champion for army officials, "It was a very emotional moment" : Bollywood News . 2024-06-08 . Bollywood Hungama . 8 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240608153943/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/kabir-khan-special-screening-chandu-champion-army-officials-emotional-moment/ . live .
  26. Web site: 27 July 2024 . ‘Chandu Champion’ coming on OTT: Here’s where you can watch Kartik Aaryan’s gritty sports drama . The Economic Times . 28 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240728015106/https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/chandu-champion-coming-on-ott-heres-where-you-can-watch-kartik-aaryans-gritty-sports-drama/articleshow/112063575.cms . live .
  27. News: Bollywood. Hungama. Chandu Champion Movie Review: CHANDU CHAMPION rests on Kartik Aaryan's powerful performance.. Bollywood Hungama. 14 June 2024. 15 June 2024. 15 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240615115020/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/chandu-champion/critic-review/chandu-champion-movie-review/chandu-champion-rests-on-kartik-aaryans-powerful-performance/. live.
  28. Web site: Chandu Champion Review: Kartik Aaryan Delivers Best Performance of His Career in Kabir Khan's Film . 2024-06-16 . News18 . 13 June 2024 . en . 14 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240614014031/https://www.news18.com/movies/chandu-champion-review-kartik-aaryan-kabir-khan-film-8931388.html . live .
  29. Web site: 2024-06-13 . 'Chandu Champion' movie review: Kartik Aaryan delivers an earnest performance in Murlikant Petkar's inspiring story . 2024-06-16 . Firstpost . en-us . 28 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240628164752/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/chandu-champion-movie-review-kartik-aaryan-delivers-an-earnest-performance-in-murlikant-petkars-inspiring-story-13781903.html . live .
  30. Web site: Chandu Champion Review: Kartik Aaryan, Vijay Raaz turn formulaic sports drama into a worthy watch . 2024-06-16 . India Today . 14 June 2024 . en . 28 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240628164752/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/chandu-champion-movie-review-kartik-aaryan-kabir-khan-vijay-raaz-2553077-2024-06-14 . live .
  31. Web site: Chandu Champion review:Crowd Pleasing Melodrama. 14 June 2024. Rediff. 15 June 2024. 15 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240615115022/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/chandu-champion-review/20240614.htm. live.
  32. Web site: 2024-06-14 . Chandu Champion movie review: Kartik Aaryan goes full-tilt in Kabir Khan's by-the-numbers biopic . 2024-06-16 . The Indian Express . en . 16 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240616065508/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/chandu-champion-movie-review-kartik-aaryan-goes-full-tilt-in-kabir-khans-by-the-numbers-biopic-9391993/ . live .

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