In a gripping new release destined to touch hearts and inspire millions, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan will bring to life the remarkable journey of Murlikant Petkar in the film ‘Chandu Champion.’ This highly anticipated movie is set to hit theaters on June 14 and will delve into the extraordinary life of Murlikant Petkar, a man whose resilience turned him from a war-injured soldier to India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. This role offers a profound look at overcoming adversity and breaking barriers in sports history.
Petkar’s story is one of unparalleled courage and determination. Injured during the 1965 war with Pakistan, where he suffered multiple bullet wounds from an aerial attack and was tragically run over by an army vehicle amidst the chaos, Petkar’s life took a dramatic turn. This horrific incident left him paraplegic, an unimaginable fate for a man who once served as a craftsman in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). Petkar recounts with remarkable clarity the day that changed his life forever: “I was out for tea in the afternoon when a whistle was blown to indicate an aerial attack. I tried to rush back to my room, but the firing had already started.”
After sustaining his life-altering injuries, Petkar was admitted to the INHS Asvini, the Navy hospital in Mumbai. It was here that a physiotherapist suggested he take up sports as part of his rehabilitation. That suggestion would prove to be a life-changing turning point. Petkar threw himself into various sports including table tennis, athletics, and eventually swimming—fields in which he would not only participate but also excel at an international level.
Born on November 1, 1947, in Peth Islampur, Sangli district of Maharashtra, Petkar’s early years were marked by athletic prowess; he was a boxer before becoming disabled. This athletic foundation set the stage for his later accomplishments. Despite the enormous challenges he faced, Petkar began to focus on swimming. His indomitable spirit and rigorous training bore fruit at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, where he secured a gold medal in the 50m freestyle swimming event with a then-world record time of 37.33 seconds.
. Notably, he had earlier set another world record with a time of 38.19 seconds in the same event.
While his achievements on the international stage were groundbreaking, Petkar’s journey was fraught with obstacles. Lacking adequate financial support and other essential resources, he couldn’t participate in more Paralympic events despite being in peak form and capable of winning additional medals. “There was not much support for disabled people those days, but we continued to work hard and participated in events as we wanted to prove that we were capable of representing the country and winning medals,” recalls Petkar. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him the Padma Shri in 2018, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Now 79 years old, Petkar resides in Pune, leading the life of a retired senior citizen. While the years have brought a quieter pace of life, the legacy of his achievements continues to resonate. Through games and achievements, Petkar broke numerous stereotypes and laid the groundwork for future generations of paralympians in India.
Helmed by the acclaimed director Kabir Khan, ‘Chandu Champion’ promises to capture this incredible narrative of human spirit and tenacity. The film aims to extend beyond the realm of typical sports biopics, delving deeper into the personal and emotional layers of Petkar’s life. Kabir Khan’s expertise in storytelling is expected to bring authenticity and poignancy to Petkar’s incredible journey.
Kartik Aaryan, known for his versatility and compelling screen presence, is expected to deliver a powerful performance that brings to life the nuances of Petkar’s character. This role marks a significant departure from Aaryan’s previous roles, demanding a portrayal of intense physical and emotional challenges.
As audiences await this heartfelt depiction, ‘Chandu Champion’ stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, celebrating the triumphs of Murlikant Petkar. His legacy as India’s first Paralympic gold medalist will now inspire a new generation, underscoring the timeless message that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. This is not just a film; it’s a celebration of resilience and the enduring spirit of a true champion.
