Chandu Champion stands as the pinnacle of ambition in Kartik Aaryan’s flourishing career. Known for lighting up the box office with hits like Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and Satyaprem Ki Katha, Aaryan’s latest venture elevates him into an entirely new stratosphere. Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion is a compelling sports biopic centered on a war hero who overcomes the odds to become India’s first Paralympic champion after surviving nine bullets. This film promises to be Aaryan’s toughest role yet and possibly his best chance to secure his status as a bonafide superstar. With immense effort poured into preparing for this role, it is arguably his most personal project to date. Thus, it was only fitting that the promotional campaign began in his birthplace—Gwalior.
The launch of the trailer on Saturday evening at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior was nothing short of grandiose. Accompanied by director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, Aaryan greeted a packed stadium filled with thousands of fans and media personnel from across the country. This bustling atmosphere was particularly poignant for the actor, especially since his father was present in the audience to witness this emotional milestone.
As Aaryan took the stage amidst deafening cheers, a rare sight unfolded—the usually composed actor appeared visibly flustered. This was a testament to the gravity of the moment for him. “It’s very emotional for me to be here,” he began from the stage. “This is where I first dreamt of being an actor, and to launch my toughest and most special film here is like a dream.”
The past week had been emotionally turbulent for Kartik Aaryan for reasons beyond his professional life. The actor recently lost his aunt and uncle in the tragic hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area. Still, just days later, he found himself fulfilling his professional obligations. “Over the last few days, bahut kuch chal raha hai meri life me (a lot has been going on in my life),” Aaryan stated, indirectly referencing the family tragedy. With a brief pause, he added, “But the show must go on.
.” This sentiment highlights his professionalism and the significant weight Chandu Champion carries in his heart and career.
Over the last 18 months, Aaryan has devoted himself entirely to Chandu Champion. “For the last one and a half year, I trained, did not eat sugar, did not sign any other film. I had become like a robot, a machine. I would just wake up and do what Kabir sir instructed,” Aaryan shared during the launch event. In an industry where many actors prioritize quantity to maximize their peak years, Aaryan has made the bold choice to focus on quality. Fresh off the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Satyaprem Ki Katha, he chose to halt other projects temporarily to commit fully to Chandu Champion. This decision underscores how much the film means to him. “This is the one film in my career that I’ll always be very proud of,” he said.
The excitement for Chandu Champion is palpable, heightened further by a stellar trailer that effectively captured the essence of war hero-turned-Paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar’s life. Whereas 2023 was a remarkable year for Hindi cinema with commercial hits like Pathaan and Bholaa, 2024 has seen a relative slump. Smaller films like Crew, Article 370, and Teri Baaton Mein Uljha Jiya dominate the highlights, with only Shaitaan making a somewhat significant impact. However, Chandu Champion has the potential to eclipse them all if it lives up to the trailer’s promise. Jointly produced by Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, Chandu Champion is slated for a grand theatrical release on June 14.
This film not only represents a milestone in Aaryan’s career but also signifies his resilience and dedication amidst personal adversity. With his roots deeply honored in this project, Kartik Aaryan stands on the cusp of redefining his legacy in Bollywood, one that may very well be marked by the success of Chandu Champion. As the release date approaches, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate a film that promises to be more than just a cinematic experience—it aims to be an inspiring saga of grit, determination, and triumph.
