Actor Kartik Aaryan expressed his amazement at the story of ‘Chandu Champion,’ revealing that when director Kabir Khan first narrated the film to him, he was left questioning whether it was based on real events or a work of fiction. The film, a sports biopic, is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, and features Aaryan as “the man who refused to surrender.”
Aaryan, along with director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, launched the trailer of ‘Chandu Champion’ in his hometown Gwalior on Saturday evening. Reflecting on his initial reaction to the story, Aaryan shared, “The first time I heard the story, the first question I asked was, ‘Is it real? Did it really happen?’ or ‘Is this fictional?’ There are so many twists and turns and historical moments in his story that it was next to impossible to believe.”
The trailer highlights the journey of the titular character through various stages of life, including his roles as an Indian Army soldier, a wrestler, a boxer, a 1965 war veteran, and a swimmer. The 3.15-minute video concludes with an elderly Chandu stating his intention to file a case of cheating against the President of India. Aaryan described ‘Chandu Champion’ as his “proudest” film, which demanded intense physical preparation.
“I was going to the gym daily, not having food, not doing any other film but just focusing on one picture for one and a half years. I became a robot, I became a machine, and I was just following orders from them and here we are,” he recalled.
Director Kabir Khan praised Aaryan for his dedication, noting that the actor built his body naturally without any substances, adhering to a strict regimen that excluded sugar and other favorite foods. “At times, I would wonder if this would be achieved or not because it was an impossible task. Kartik made his body naturally without any substance. For one and a half years, he didn’t consume sugar. Whatever he liked to eat, it wasn’t allowed,” Khan said. He also monitored Aaryan’s diet even while the actor was shooting for the 2023 romance drama ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha.’
Khan emphasized that Aaryan was his first choice for ‘Chandu Champion,’ a story he found deeply motivational. “I often say it’s not you who choose the story but it’s the story that chooses you. This is the story that called out to me. I said, ‘It’s such an inspirational story that has been hidden.’ Up till now, no one knew about such a person and what sort of a journey he has had. This story is a must watch. I felt it is such a motivational, human story and I have to tell it. And I saw nobody but Kartik in it,” said the director of films like ‘Ek Tha Tiger,’ ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ and ‘Kabul Express.’
Aaryan, reflecting on the trailer launch in his hometown, said, “Life has come full circle.” Producer Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of the team, saying, “The response that we are seeing is the effort of all the technicians, great directors like Kabir, and great actors who want to prove something every day. I am grateful and hope this film becomes a success.”
Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Kabir Khan Films Production, ‘Chandu Champion’ is slated for release on June 14.
