Kartik Aaryan marks 2 years of Chandu Champion, hints at a comeback
Kartik Aaryan marked two years of Chandu Champion with a heartfelt note reflecting on the film and his transformation. The actor thanked director Kabir Khan and the team while promising that champions will be back.
Actor Kartik Aaryan marked two years of Chandu Champion on Sunday with a note about the film and a promise for what lies ahead. Sharing snippets from the film, the actor looked back on his journey of playing India's first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar and said, "Champions will be back!"
In his post, Aaryan described the film as the most special one of his life and reflected on its emotional and physical demands. Petkar also spoke about the film’s impact, saying it gave his story a larger voice and brought wider awareness and recognition.
Aaryan wrote, "Two years ago, I stepped into the shoes of a man the world had forgotten, and he ended up reminding me of everything I believed in." He added, "I’m not sure I’ve fully put it into words yet, but I’ll try. This film isn’t just about a man who refused to give up, it’s about the scars that become medals, setbacks that become comebacks."
He reflected that the 18 kilos he lost were nothing compared to everything he gained and called Chandu Champion the most special film of his life.
Recalling his preparation for the role, Aaryan wrote, "To play Murlikant Petkar, I had to become someone I’d never been before. Every early morning, every drop of sweat, every moment of self-doubt on set- it wasn’t acting. It was living." He added that Chandu’s story taught him that people laugh at a dream before they applaud it, and that the finish line belongs to those who keep running.
Aaryan thanked "Kabir Sir" for trusting him with the story, "Sajid Sir" for making it possible, and the crew members who supported him through the shoot, including those who ran with him at 5 am and pushed him when he wanted to stop. He ended his note with, "P.S. Can’t wait to share with you all what we have next for you. Bas thoda sa intezaar (Just a little bit of wait) Champions will be back!"
Petkar on the film’s impact
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Petkar said, "It has been quite a transformative period since the film was released. The film didn’t just tell my story—it gave it a much larger voice and reached people across generations."
He added, "What has changed most for me is the level of awareness and recognition. Earlier, very few people knew about my journey or about India’s Paralympic history, but today, many individuals come up to me sharing how the film inspired them or changed their perspective on resilience and determination."
Petkar said reliving his journey on screen reminded him of his struggles and hardships, while also making him realise the strength and purpose behind them. "It gave me a renewed sense of pride and gratitude," he added.
Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Chandu Champion received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. In its review, India Today gave the film 3 stars.
Actor Kartik Aaryan marked two years of Chandu Champion on Sunday with a note about the film and a promise for what lies ahead. Sharing snippets from the film, the actor looked back on his journey of playing India's first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar and said, "Champions will be back!"
In his post, Aaryan described the film as the most special one of his life and reflected on its emotional and physical demands. Petkar also spoke about the film’s impact, saying it gave his story a larger voice and brought wider awareness and recognition.
Aaryan wrote, "Two years ago, I stepped into the shoes of a man the world had forgotten, and he ended up reminding me of everything I believed in." He added, "I’m not sure I’ve fully put it into words yet, but I’ll try. This film isn’t just about a man who refused to give up, it’s about the scars that become medals, setbacks that become comebacks."
He reflected that the 18 kilos he lost were nothing compared to everything he gained and called Chandu Champion the most special film of his life.
Recalling his preparation for the role, Aaryan wrote, "To play Murlikant Petkar, I had to become someone I’d never been before. Every early morning, every drop of sweat, every moment of self-doubt on set- it wasn’t acting. It was living." He added that Chandu’s story taught him that people laugh at a dream before they applaud it, and that the finish line belongs to those who keep running.
Aaryan thanked "Kabir Sir" for trusting him with the story, "Sajid Sir" for making it possible, and the crew members who supported him through the shoot, including those who ran with him at 5 am and pushed him when he wanted to stop. He ended his note with, "P.S. Can’t wait to share with you all what we have next for you. Bas thoda sa intezaar (Just a little bit of wait) Champions will be back!"
Petkar on the film’s impact
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Petkar said, "It has been quite a transformative period since the film was released. The film didn’t just tell my story—it gave it a much larger voice and reached people across generations."
He added, "What has changed most for me is the level of awareness and recognition. Earlier, very few people knew about my journey or about India’s Paralympic history, but today, many individuals come up to me sharing how the film inspired them or changed their perspective on resilience and determination."
Petkar said reliving his journey on screen reminded him of his struggles and hardships, while also making him realise the strength and purpose behind them. "It gave me a renewed sense of pride and gratitude," he added.
Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Chandu Champion received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. In its review, India Today gave the film 3 stars.
