New Delhi: Prime Video, India’s premier entertainment platform, has officially released the much-anticipated film ‘Chandu Champion’ for a global audience. This biographical sports drama, directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala in collaboration with Kabir Khan Films, is a tribute to the incredible life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympics gold medalist. As of August 9, Prime members across India and in over 240 countries and territories can now stream this cinematic marvel.
‘Chandu Champion’ features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role, personifying Murlikant Petkar with a compelling portrayal that encapsulates the resilience and determination of the illustrious athlete. The ensemble cast also includes notable actors such as Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, Aniruddh Dave, and Shreyas Talpade, each bringing significant depth to their characters.
The narrative of ‘Chandu Champion’ is nothing short of inspiring. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of Petkar, who suffered severe injuries during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Despite his physical challenges, Petkar emerged as a symbol of triumph and perseverance by winning a gold medal at the 1972 Paralympics. His victory not only spotlighted India’s presence in Paralympic sports but also served as a beacon of hope and determination for athletes worldwide.
Manish Menghani, Director of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, shared his excitement about the film’s release. He remarked, “Chandu Champion has won hearts with its powerful storytelling and Kartik Aaryan’s brilliant performance. We are proud to bring this inspiring story to our global audience.”
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his passion for the project, stating, “Certain stories must be shared with the world, and Chandu Champion is one such tale, crafted with utmost dedication and passion. I feel incredibly fortunate to have brought this inspiring narrative to life alongside an exceptional team.”
Director Kabir Khan echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the effort and love that went into making the film. “From concept to final edits, this film has been a labor of love. Sometimes stories choose us, and I feel lucky to be chosen by this one. We aimed to celebrate Murlikant Petkar’s spirit and to reach as many people as possible. With Prime Video’s wide accessibility, we are thrilled to share Chandu Champion with audiences around the globe.”
Kartik Aaryan, who immersed himself deeply in the role of Petkar, spoke about his transformative experience.
. “Playing Mr. Murlikant Petkar has been an absolute honor and a transformative journey for me. It took one and a half years of rigorous preparation to truly embody his essence. During this period, I had to cut out sugar completely and adhere to a strict diet. His incredibly inspiring story resonated deeply with me, and I am eternally grateful to Kabir sir and Sajid sir for offering me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The launch of ‘Chandu Champion’ on Prime Video offers Prime members in India the chance to experience this inspirational biopic among a plethora of other exclusive content and benefits, all available under a yearly subscription priced at ₹1499. This subscription not only opens doors to a vast library of entertainment but also provides attractive savings on several services.
The ensemble cast’s significant roles add layers to the movie, enriching the narrative with performances that drive home the themes of endurance and triumph over adversity. Each actor, with their nuanced portrayals, helps to paint a vivid picture of the era and the insurmountable challenges faced by Petkar.
Manish Menghani, reflecting further on the film’s impact, stated, “Chandu Champion has captivated viewers with its poignant and compelling narrative. Kartik Aaryan’s performance is undoubtedly a highlight, bringing a mixture of subtlety and strength to the role.”
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala emphasized the collaborative effort behind the film, saying, “Creating Chandu Champion was more than just making a movie; it was about honoring a true hero’s spirit. We poured our hearts into this project, ensuring that every detail authentically represented Petkar’s journey.”
Sharing his reflections on the entire filmmaking process, Kabir Khan reiterated, “This film was meant to celebrate an extraordinary life. Bringing it to viewers worldwide through Prime Video is the culmination of our heartfelt endeavor. The expansive reach of Prime Video now allows us to inspire countless individuals with Petkar’s story of courage and perseverance.”
For Kartik Aaryan, the role meant more than just another acting assignment; it was a personal journey filled with dedication and transformation. His commitment to the role and the rigorous regimen he followed underscores his dedication to doing justice to Petkar’s extraordinary life.
Prime members now have the unique opportunity to delve into the world of ‘Chandu Champion’ and witness a biographical film that stands as a testament to human spirit and victory against the odds. With its release, ‘Chandu Champion’ not only commemorates the achievements of Murlikant Petkar but also instills a sense of inspiration and pride among viewers, echoing the message that even in the direst circumstances, resilience can lead to triumph.
