Review: 'Chandu Champion' blows the trumpet for what Kartik Aaryan can do as an actor & boy he strikes gold

Sports biographical films aren't something that we don't often see, but when a director like Kabir Khan takes charge, there's expectations and bars to be reached. This time the helmer has moulded Kartik Aaryan in ways we couldn't have imagined. From body transformation to more emotional and meaty character, let's see how he embodies Murlikant Petkar. Here's what I felt about the film. 

The Plot

Kabir Khan's latest venture, Chandu Champion, is an ambitious biographical sports drama that seeks to illuminate the remarkable journey of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist. The film opens with a young boy, Chandu, who is inspired by the grand welcome of an Olympic champion. This moment sparks his dream to one day win an Olympic gold medal, setting the stage for a story that spans states and countries, charting Chandu's relentless pursuit of his goal.

The Packaging

Chandu Champion draws parallels to the narrative style of Forrest Gump and the inspirational essence of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. However, unlike these films, Chandu Champion occasionally struggles with a sense of rebellion that lacks a clear cause or conflict. Chandu's aggression, fueled by ridicule, serves as an outlet for his talent and persistence. The dialogue' Ae Hasta Kyu Hai' almost takes up the charge to inject him with motivation, determination and whatnot, almost making him surpass death and finally clutch that gold medal.

Raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, and spending formative years in cities like Secunderabad, Chandu's linguistic choices make sense but aren't consistently executed well enough to justify them fully. One notable dialogue, where a journalist comments, "This is a story that's difficult to believe, but important to tell," encapsulates the essence of this heartwarming tale.

The Performances

Kartik Aaryan's performance as Chandu is a standout in the film. He embodies Chandu's personality and demeanor with earnest dedication, and his physical transformation for the role is impressive, particularly in the wrestling and boxing sequences. Aaryan's portrayal strikes a balance between humor and emotional depth, eliciting laughter with his comic timing and moving the audience in the more intense scenes. His portrayal of an older Chandu is convincing, steering clear of exaggerated body language. Director Kabir Khan's decision to push Aaryan beyond his comfort zone pays off, as it results in a nuanced performance that showcases the actor's growth.

Bhuvan Arora shines as Karnail Singh, Chandu's friend from army training and boxing days, delivers a solid performance that complements Aaryan's portrayal. Vijay Raaz adds depth as the boxing coach Tiger Ali, infusing the story with soul. His deadpan humour lands at a point, but somehow you feel you need more from him. Shreyas Talpade, in a limited role as a funny cop, and Sonali Kulkarni as the journalist determined to tell Chandu's story, provide competent support to the main narrative.

Direction and Screenplay

Kabir Khan's direction stands out in several sequences, such as the war montages having an impressive eight-minute single-take scene before the interval. These moments reflect Khan's ability to captivate audiences, as seen in his previous works. However, some scenes needed trimming, while others felt rushed, affecting the overall pacing. The film's longer runtime is mitigated by its engaging pace, though the climax falls short due to a lack of impactful inner conflict. The templated- non-linear narrative keeps the audience engaged despite some uneven pacing. The screenplay falters slightly in the second half, where the story becomes repetitive and loses momentum. Nevertheless, the narrative's highs outweigh its lows, maintaining viewer interest throughout.

The Verdict

Despite its flaws, Chandu Champion remains an engaging and heartwarming film, following a familiar template but offering a moving tribute to an inspirational figure. The narrative, framed as a retelling by Chandu himself, occasionally falters with unconvincing prosthetics in close-ups, but these minor setbacks do not overshadow the film's heartfelt celebration of Murlikant Petkar's legacy.

Rating

*** (3/5) stars