Chandu Champion review: Kartik Aaryan's career-defining role in a slow-burn narrative

Team OTTplay

Chandu Champion: An inspiring biopic

Discover the incredible story of Murlikant Petkar, brought to life by Kartik Aaryan in Kabir Khan's biographical film, Chandu Champion.

Unwavering determination from a champion

Murlikant Petkar's journey is one of unyielding determination. Despite numerous obstacles, his passion and refusal to give up made him a history-making sportsman.

Kartik Aaryan's career-defining role

Known for romantic comedies, Kartik Aaryan takes on the challenging role of Chandu Champion, showcasing his versatility and commitment as an actor.

Journey through time

Chandu Champion narrates Petkar's 50-year-long story through numerous timeline jumps and flashback sequences, presenting his achievements and struggles.

Overcoming every obstacle

From being a boxer to a swimmer, Petkar's never-give-up attitude and his quest for an Olympic gold medal form the crux of this inspiring narrative.

Creative liberties in the narrative

Kabir Khan and his co-writers take creative liberties, detailing Petkar's life in a two-hour and 23-minute slow-burn narrative, with some episodes feeling incomplete.

Kartik Aaryan's dedicated performance

Despite the challenges, Kartik Aaryan's performance shines through. His dedication to portraying Petkar's physical and emotional journey is evident.

Supporting characters and their impact

Bhuvan Arora as Garneil Singh and Vijay Raaz as Tiger Ali enhance the film's first half, adding depth and making the story more engaging.

Vintage lens on India

The film beautifully captures India through a vintage lens, evoking a nostalgic flashback era with its lighting and visuals.

Special appearances and their impact

Shreyas Talpade and Rajpal Yadav make brief yet impactful appearances, while Arora and Raaz uplift the narrative with their strong performances.

Verdict: An admirable effort

Despite its scattered storytelling, Chandu Champion is a watchable biopic, driven by Kartik Aaryan's spirited performance and the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar.