Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan, isn’t your typical sports biopic. It tells the inspiring true story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, played by Kartik Aaryan. Here’s a breakdown of the film’s strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
Kartik Aaryan’s Career-Best Performance: Aaryan sheds his usual comedic persona and delivers a powerful, nuanced performance. He portrays Petkar’s determination, vulnerability, and resilience with great conviction.
Compelling Story: The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing Petkar’s struggles. We see his transformation from an aspiring boxer to a para-athlete overcoming physical limitations and societal neglect.
Emotional Impact: Chandu Champion is a celebration of the human spirit. It evokes emotions of hope, perseverance, and the triumph of the underdog.
Strong Supporting Cast: Vijay Raaz delivers a memorable performance as the coach who mentors Petkar.
Focus on the Underdog Narrative: The film avoids excessive melodrama and focuses on the grit and determination required to achieve greatness against all odds.
Weaknesses
Formulaic at Times: While the story is inspiring, the film follows a familiar underdog sports biopic structure. The narrative beats of overcoming challenges, defying expectations, and achieving a triumphant victory feel somewhat predictable, especially for viewers familiar with the genre. There’s a training montage, a montage of setbacks and moments of doubt, and a final competition where the underdog prevails. While these elements are essential for this kind of story, Chandu Champion doesn’t deviate much from the formula, which might leave some viewers wanting more originality.
Historical Accuracy: The film takes some creative liberties with Petkar’s life story for dramatic effect.
Chandu Champion is a well-made and engaging sports drama elevated by Aaryan’s exceptional performance. The film’s message of resilience and overcoming adversity resonates with viewers. While it might not break new ground in terms of storytelling, it’s a thoroughly entertaining and emotionally satisfying watch.
The film’s exploration of societal neglect towards para-athletes adds another layer of depth to the narrative. We see Petkar struggle to get recognition for his achievements and the lack of support for para-sports in India. This social commentary adds weight to the film’s message of perseverance, highlighting the importance of fighting for what you believe in, not just against your physical limitations but also against a system that undervalues your potential.
