Renowned filmmaker Kabir Khan has once again showcased his knack for telling captivating stories of social misfits and underdogs with his latest venture, “Chandu Champion.” Known for blending fact and fiction seamlessly, Kabir has crafted another rousing sports drama after his acclaimed film “83.” This time, he shines a light on an unsung hero, drawing inspiration from the real-life story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in 1972, who gained recognition after being awarded the Padma Shri in 2018.
The narrative, told in flashback, begins with a tiny Maharashtrian boy harboring dreams of making a name in wrestling after witnessing the victory procession of K. D. Jadhav, who secured a bronze medal in the 1952 Summer Olympics—the first individual medal for newly independent India. Despite being teased by his peers, taunted by his father, and underestimated by his coach, Murli’s life takes a dramatic turn when he defeats the much-favored son of the village headman in his first public bout. This victory leads to a riot, ultimately forcing Murli to leave his village.
Murli’s aspirations find a new home in the Indian Army, where, under the guidance of a new coach, Tiger Ali, he transitions to boxing. However, his Olympic dreams are abruptly shattered when he is struck by bullets fired by Pakistani soldiers during the 1965 war. Refusing to be defeated by fate or the bullet lodged in his spine, Murli perseveres and swims to glory at the Heidelberg Paralympics, only to be forgotten by his country until a journalist unearths his remarkable achievements.
The film evokes memories of Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra’s “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” where the titular athlete runs against his painful past to achieve glory, largely due to his training in the armed forces. Intriguingly, “Chandu Champion” notes that both athletes were active during the same period.
In the world of cricket, experts often advise bowlers to stick to pitching in the right areas when the pitch is favorable, rather than trying too much. Kabir Khan employs a similar strategy with this film. Petkar’s life is rich with action, emotion, and drama, and Kabir wisely adheres to the biopic formula, focusing on Petkar’s swimming achievements while subtly hinting at his prowess in other disciplines.
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The filmmaker does employ some dramatic exaggerations, such as the slightly jarring commentary during the swimming competition, but his background in documentary filmmaking keeps the characters grounded in reality. Yashpal Sharma’s over-the-top training scenes are balanced by Kabir making Murli march to the tune of “Gore Gore Banke Chhore” from the 1950 film “Samadhi,” capturing the widespread influence of Hindi cinema. The film also creatively integrates historical contexts, such as the terror attack on athletes during the Munich Olympics, without dwelling on the nationalities involved, and comments on how awards can drive development in neglected regions.
One of the highlights is the cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee, especially in the boxing ring scenes, which gives Kartik Aaryan the perfect stage to deliver what can be considered a career-defining performance. The actor, under Kabir’s direction, transcends mediocrity and embodies the spirit of a character who constantly punches above his weight. Kartik’s physical transformations and emotional journey are rendered on screen with a seamless blend of intensity and vulnerability. The film’s writing, by Sudipto Sarkar and Sumit Arora, is interspersed with moments of everyday humor, allowing Kartik to flex his comic timing alongside his serious acting chops.
Supporting cast members, like Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav, provide significant contributions. Vijay Raaz, as Murli’s coach, delivers a standout performance, showcasing his versatility in various roles without donning even a single pair of boxing gloves. Rajpal Yadav, not relegated to his usual comedic roles, adds depth to his character, while Bhuvan Arora convincingly portrays a Sikh friend who supports Murli when others turn away. These supporting arcs help mitigate the predictability often seen in biopics.
“Chandu Champion” is a compelling film that underscores Kabir Khan’s ability to portray underdogs’ stories in a relatable and stirring manner. It presents a compelling narrative that not only honors the legacy of a forgotten hero but also captures the yearning for recognition and respect that transcends boundaries. Kartik Aaryan’s stellar performance takes this well-crafted biopic to new heights, making it a must-watch for those interested in stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. The film is currently running in theaters, inviting audiences to witness this extraordinary tale of courage and determination.
