Chandu Champion

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Chandu Champion
Chandu Champion film poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Kabir Khan
Written byKabir Khan
Sumit Arora
Sudipto Sarkar
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala
Kabir Khan
Starring Kartik Aaryan
Vijay Raaz
Bhuvan Arora
Narrated by Sonali Kulkarni
Cinematography Sudeep Chatterjee
Edited byNitin Baid
Music bySongs:
Pritam
Score:
Julius Packiam
Production
companies
Distributed by Pen Marudhar Entertainment
Release date
  • 14 June 2024 (2024-06-14)
Running time
142 minutes [1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budgetest.₹70–140 crore [2] [3]
Box officeest.₹88.73 crore [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]

Contents

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

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:

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.

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.

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 50m 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.

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.

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?).

Cast

Production

Development

Kabir Khan first announced the film in July 2022. [10] 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. [11] [12]

Casting

Kartik Aaryan was chosen to play the lead, in his second collaboration with producer Sajid Nadiadwala after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023). [13] 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. [14]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on 12 July 2023 with a Muhurta puja held in London, where the first schedule was also completed. [15] [16] The second schedule commenced on 24 September 2023 in Kashmir. [17] The crew also filmed the movie at Wai village in Maharashtra. [18] Filming wrapped after eight months on 31 January 2024. [19] A challenging 8 minute single shot war sequence was shot at Aru Valley in Jammu at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level. [20] [21]

Music

Chandu Champion
Soundtrack album by
Pritam
Released15 June 2024
Recorded2023–24
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length30:45
Label T-Series
Pritam chronology
Merry Christmas
(2024)		Chandu Champion
(2024)
Official audio
Chandu Champion - Audio Jukebox on YouTube
Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Satyanaas" Amitabh Bhattacharya Arijit Singh, Nakash Aziz, Dev Negi 3:25
2."Tu Hai Champion"IP SinghArijit Singh, Amit Mishra 3:36
3."Sarphira" Kausar Munir Sreerama Chandra 3:25
4."Jamoore"Amitabh Bhattacharya Mame Khan, Kailash Waghmare3:53
5."Na Door Hai Na Paas Hai"Kausar Munir Darshan Raval 4:07
6."Jeet Ka Geet"Kausar Munir Shaan 4:20
7."Sarphira" (Climax Version)Kausar Munir Mohammed Irfan 7:58
Total length:30:45

Marketing

The film's trailer was released on 8 May 2024 at Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Aaryan's hometown Gwalior. [24] Aaryan promoted the film at the dance reality show Dance Deewane. [25] A special screening of the film was held for the Indian Army officers on 5 June 2024 in Delhi where Petkar was felicitated. [26]

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. [27]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 93% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10. [28] 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." [29] 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." [30]

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." [31] 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." [32]

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." [33] 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." [34]

Box Office

As of 11 July 2024, Chandu Champion has grossed ₹74.35 crore in India and ₹13.79 crore overseas for a worldwide total of ₹88.14 crore. [4]

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References

  1. ↑ "Chandu Champion (12A)". British Board of Film Classification . 14 June 2024. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  2. ↑ 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] (in Hindi). NDTV. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  3. ↑ "Kartik Aaryans Chandu Champion Surpasses Production Budget With Worldwide Gross Collection Of Rs 96 Cr". Zee News. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Chandu Champion Box Office". Bollywood Hungama . 23 June 2024. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan completes shooting of Kabir Khan's 'Chandu Champion'". The Hindu. 1 February 2024. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  6. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan's astonishing transformation for 'Chandu Champion' leaves Arjuna Awardee Virdhawal Khade in awe". The Times of India. 31 January 2024. ISSN   0971-8257. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  7. 1 2 "Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan films 8-minute-long single-shot war sequence". Deccan Herald . 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "PRESIDENT PADMA AWARDS MURLIKANT RAJARAM PETKAR". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "REVEALED: Meet Bhagyashri Borse, the mystery girl who features in Kartik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion". Bollywood Hungama. 25 May 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  10. ↑ "Kabir Khan announces next film with Kartik Aaryan, says actor will be in a completely new avatar". The Indian Express . 18 July 2023. Archived from the original on 28 June 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  11. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan-Kabir Khan's film titled 'Chandu Champion', to release in June 2024". The Hindu . 4 July 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan announces title and release date of film with Kabir Khan, Sajid Nadiadwala". Hindustan Times . 4 July 2023. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  13. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan's film with Kabir Khan titled Chandu Champion, release date announced". The Indian Express . 4 July 2023. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "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". Bollywood Hungama . 7 June 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  15. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan Starts The Shoot Of Chandu Champion With Kabir Khan". ABP News . 13 July 2023. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  16. ↑ "Sajid Nadiadwala's 30th film 'Chandu Champion' starring Kartik Aaryan to be shot in Kashmir". The Times of India. 29 September 2023. ISSN   0971-8257. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  17. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan to shoot for Chandu Champion in Kashmir". Film Companion . 18 September 2023. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  18. ↑ "From the UK to Wai, Kartik Aaryan's 'Chandu Champion' movie has been extensively shot in and outside India". Mid-day. 6 February 2024. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  19. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan wraps up Chandu Champion by tasting rasmalai after a year of sugar-free diet". The Telegraph (India) . 1 February 2024. Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  20. ↑ "Kartik shoots 8-minute war sequence for 'Chandu Champion': Most difficult..." India Today. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  21. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan Breaks Down Chandu Champion's "Single Shot War Scene"". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  22. ↑ "Chandu Champion Song Satyanaas: Kartik Aaryan Dances Like Nobody Is Watching". NDTV. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  23. ↑ "Chandu Champion song Tu Champion Hai: Kartik Aaryan turns trials into triumph in Arijit Singh's inspiring song". The Indian Express. 30 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. ↑ "Historic launch of Chandu Champion's Trailer in Gwalior". Hindustan Times. 21 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  25. ↑ "Kartik Aaryan dances with 'legendary' Madhuri Dixit to Chandu Champion song Satyanaas. Watch". Hindustan Times. 25 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  26. ↑ "Kabir Khan on the special screening of Chandu Champion for army officials, "It was a very emotional moment" : Bollywood News". Bollywood Hungama. 7 June 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  27. ↑ "'Chandu Champion' coming on OTT: Here's where you can watch Kartik Aaryan's gritty sports drama". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 28 July 2024. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  28. ↑ "Chandu Champion". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  29. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (14 June 2024). "Chandu Champion Movie Review: CHANDU CHAMPION rests on Kartik Aaryan's powerful performance". Bollywood Hungama . Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  30. ↑ "Chandu Champion Review: Kartik Aaryan Delivers Best Performance of His Career in Kabir Khan's Film". News18. 13 June 2024. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  31. ↑ "'Chandu Champion' movie review: Kartik Aaryan delivers an earnest performance in Murlikant Petkar's inspiring story". Firstpost. 13 June 2024. Archived from the original on 28 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  32. ↑ "Chandu Champion Review: Kartik Aaryan, Vijay Raaz turn formulaic sports drama into a worthy watch". India Today. 14 June 2024. Archived from the original on 28 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  33. ↑ "Chandu Champion review:Crowd Pleasing Melodrama". Rediff. 14 June 2024. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  34. ↑ "Chandu Champion movie review: Kartik Aaryan goes full-tilt in Kabir Khan's by-the-numbers biopic". The Indian Express. 14 June 2024. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
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