Chandu Champion: The Inspiring Story of India's First Paralympic Swimming Gold Medalist

A biopic that will leave you inspired, Chandu Champion tells the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, the first Indian to win a Paralympic swimming gold medal.
Chandu Champion: The Inspiring Story of India's First Paralympic Swimming Gold Medalist

Chandu Champion: A Biopic That Will Leave You Inspired

The underdog-to-champion story is a trope that has been done to death, but director Kabir Khan has managed to breathe new life into it with his latest biopic, Chandu Champion. The film tells the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, the first Indian to win a Paralympic swimming gold medal in Heidelberg in 1972.

The thrill of victory

Petkar’s journey to the gold medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, including poverty, ridicule from friends and family, and a horrific injury in the 1965 war that left him paralyzed waist-down, Petkar refused to give up on his dreams.

Kartik Aaryan shines as Murlikant Petkar, bringing depth and nuance to the role. He takes the audience on a journey from Petkar’s humble beginnings as a pehelwan in his village akhada to his time as a jawan in the Army, where he trains to be a boxer and nearly wins a top prize.

Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar

While the film does fall into declarative, underlined patches at times, Aaryan’s performance makes up for it, making the audience root for his character.

A Story of Triumph

Chandu Champion is a biopic that will leave you inspired and motivated. It’s a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Murlikant Petkar, the first Indian to win a Paralympic swimming gold medal

The film’s message is clear: no matter what life throws at you, never give up on your dreams. And with Kartik Aaryan’s powerful performance, Chandu Champion is a must-watch for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration.