Get ready to be inspired! Bollywood’s heartthrob Kartik Aaryan is all set to portray India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar, in the upcoming film “Chandu Champion.” Directed by the acclaimed Kabir Khan, known for films like “Lagaan” and “Bajirao Mastani,” the movie promises a powerful story of resilience and triumph.
Who’s Who in Chandu Champion?
The film boasts a talented cast alongside Kartik Aaryan. While details about some characters are still under wraps, here’s who we know will be bringing the story to life:
- Kartik Aaryan takes on the challenging role of Murlikant Petkar, the determined athlete who defied limitations to achieve sporting glory.
- Veteran actor Vijay Raaz is rumored to play a pivotal role, though his character details haven’t been revealed yet.
- We might see Bhuvan Arora, known for his work in films like “Dangal,” in a supporting role.
- Actors Rajpal Yadav, Yashpal Sharma, Palak Lalwani, and Adonis Kapsalis round out the supporting cast, their specific characters yet to be announced.
Filming Locations, Cast and Crew
| Actor/Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Kartik Aaryan | Chandu Murlikant Petkar |
| Vijay Raaz | TBA |
| Rajpal Naurang Yadav | TBA |
| Bhagyashree Patwardhan | TBA |
| Adonis Kapsalis | TBA |
| Carlos Pedroza | TBA |
| Aniruddh Dave | Jagannath Petkar |
| Pallak Lalwani | TBA |
| Manoj Anand | Indian Diplomat |
| Bhuvan Arora | TBA |
| Daniel Eghan | Indian Army General Hari Singh |
| Ed Robinson | French Commentator |
| Bharat Mistri | Indian Army General B.N. Chaudhri |
| Stuart Whelan | Boxing fan |
| Elena Skryabina | Swimming Spectator |
| Mike Kelson | Sultan’s coach |
| Sandeep Choudhary | Swimming Spectator |
| Vinita Sharma | Indian Diplomat |
| Himanshu Jaykar | TBA |
Filming Locations
5 filming locations
- Syon House, Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex, England, UK (Tokyo 1964 Olympic Party)
- East London, England, UK (location)
- Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Wai, Maharashtra, India
- London, England, UK
| Role | Name | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Kabir Khan | Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) |
| Writers (4) | Sumit Arora | Jawan (2023) |
| Kabir Khan | Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) | |
| Sudipto Sarkar | Operation Mayfair (2023) | |
| Rohit Shukre | Baiyko (2017) | |
| Producers (6) | Aditya Singh Baghel | ’83 (2021) |
| Rajan Kapoor | Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) | |
| Firuzi Khan | ’83 (2021) | |
| Kabir Khan | Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) | |
| Sajid Nadiadwala | Kick (2014) | |
| Sudipto Sarkar | Operation Mayfair (2023) | |
| Cinematographer | Sudeep Chatterjee | Bajirao Mastani (2015) |
| Casting Director | Ranveer Wadhwani | Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) |
| Set Decorator | Maitry Surti | Tiger 3 (2023) |
| Makeup Department | Preetisheel Singh D’souza | Haider (2014) |
| Production Managers (6) | Linzy Attenborough | Don’t Cry (I) (2022) |
| Sıdal Ergüder (as Sidal Ergüder) | Resistance Sahara (2022) | |
| Apurva Gondalia | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) | |
| Rishabh Mehrotra | Ulajh (2024) | |
| Govind Rakshit (as Rakxit Gowda) | Animal (I) (2023) | |
| Shaily Shamkuwar | Faadu – A Love Story (2022) |
Big Budget for a Big Dream
“Chandu Champion” is reportedly made on a grand scale, with a budget estimated to be around Rs 100 crore. This significant investment hints at high production value, with extensive training for Kartik Aaryan’s physical transformation likely a part of it.
The filming, which took place from July 2023 to January 2024, spanned across diverse locations including London, Wai (Maharashtra), and Jammu and Kashmir. This variety in shooting locations suggests the film might showcase not only the challenges Murlikant faced in training but also the journey that led him there.
A Story of Overcoming Challenges
“Chandu Champion” is based on the inspiring true story of Murlikant Petkar. Though the makers haven’t revealed all the details of the plot, we can expect the film to chronicle Murlikant’s life, from facing a life-altering accident to his unwavering determination to become a champion athlete.
The movie will likely explore the struggles he faced – physical limitations, societal perceptions, and the grueling training required to compete at the Paralympic level.
More Than Just a Sports Film
“Chandu Champion” promises to be more than just a sports film. While the athletic journey will be a central theme, the movie is expected to delve deeper into Murlikant’s personal growth, the support system that helped him achieve his goals, and the message of hope and perseverance that his story carries.
With a talented cast, a renowned director, and a powerful true story as its foundation, “Chandu Champion” is all set to be a major motion picture. Scheduled to hit the theaters on June 14, 2024, the film is likely to resonate with audiences seeking inspiration and a celebration of the human spirit.
