Actor Kartik Aaryan, in collaboration with renowned director Kabir Khan, has embarked on an ambitious journey to bring the compelling story of ‘Chandu Champion’ to life on the silver screen. The film, which chronicles the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in freestyle swimming, has been a challenging but rewarding endeavor for both the actor and the director.
As the promotional activities ramp up, Kartik and Kabir opened up about the intense effort and dedication that went into making ‘Chandu Champion.’ Speaking to the media about the origins of the film, Kabir Khan revealed, “The movie is inspired by the incredible life story of Murlikant Petkar. We’ve been filming in Jammu because the area has a significant military presence, and Murlikant himself was a brave soldier in the Indian army.”
Kartik Aaryan, who portrays the titular character Chandu, discussed the rigorous training and preparatory work he undertook to accurately embody an athlete. “I had to make several personal sacrifices, including cutting back on chocolates to achieve the required physique. It was crucial to look, move, and breathe like a professional athlete. I had to shed a considerable amount of weight and undergo strenuous workouts. This narrative is incredibly inspiring, and I had to give my all to do justice to the role,” Kartik emphasized.
Kabir Khan also praised Kartik’s commitment and performance, highlighting one of the film’s most demanding sequences. “There’s an eight-minute long, one-shot war sequence that was exceptionally challenging. It needed extensive training. Kartik rehearsed with 200 to 300 soldiers and even practiced at an altitude of 10,000 feet in the picturesque Aru Valley in Kashmir,” Kabir mentioned.
The director also shared how he stumbled upon Murlikant Petkar’s story. “I came across Murlikant’s saga quite accidentally when someone handed me an old article. My initial reaction was disbelief; it seemed implausible that so many dramatic events could happen in one lifetime. My curiosity was piqued, and I wondered how someone as heroic as Murlikant could remain an unsung hero. Finding him was no easy task; it took several months to locate him, but once we did, there was no turning back,” explained Kabir.
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When asked why Kartik was chosen for the role, Kabir shared his insights. “As a director, you often have an eye for recognizing talent. But beyond talent, it’s about the energy the actor exudes. While writing and conceptualizing Chandu Champion, I had a specific image and energy in mind. Kartik naturally possessed all the essential elements for this role. He had the raw potential and the right attitude, which are crucial for portraying such a multifaceted character,” Kabir elaborated.
Kartik, on his part, candidly spoke about the multifarious challenges he faced in preparing for the role of Chandu. “This role pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to train rigorously in swimming and boxing—skills I had never imagined I would need. My opponents were all seasoned professionals, so the training had to be intense to match their level. This is undoubtedly the most challenging role of my career,” Kartik said.
Reflecting on his grueling preparation, Kartik added, “This project has been a transformative experience for me, and I am immensely proud of it. My hope is that audiences will come to the theaters and connect with this powerful story. As I’ve said earlier, this film and role have been the toughest of my career, and I believe the dedication and hard work we’ve put in are evident in the trailer.”
Kabir Khan’s directorial venture ‘Chandu Champion’ aims to captivate audiences with its narrative of indomitable spirit and perseverance. Scheduled for release on June 14, the film promises to deliver a poignant portrayal of resilience, highlighting Murlikant Petkar’s inspiring journey.
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