India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar, attended an exclusive screening of his biopic, “Chandu Champion,” in Vasant Vihar, organized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). The film, starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Kabir Khan, chronicles Petkar’s remarkable journey from a war-injured soldier to a Paralympic hero.
Emotional Premiere: A Night to Remember
The premiere was a significant event, with Petkar, Kartik Aaryan, and Kabir Khan watching the film together. The emotional reaction of Petkar after the screening was palpable. Kartik Aaryan shared, “Tumne mujhe rula diya” (You made me cry), reflecting the deep emotional impact the film had on him.
Petkar expressed his gratitude for the recognition he finally received through the movie. “This is a must-watch movie,” he shared in an exclusive chat with India TV. “Chandu Champion” vividly depicts the struggles and triumphs of handicapped individuals, and Petkar thanked the PCI president for organizing the premiere and inspiring para-athletes to aim for gold medals for their country.
Box Office Success
The film’s opening day box office collection on June 14 was ₹4.75 Crore, which surged by ₹2 Crore the following day, earning a total of ₹6.75 Crore in a single day. Alongside Kartik Aaryan, the movie features Vijay Raaz and Bhuvan Arora in key roles. It chronicles how Petkar, a survivor of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, etched his name in history by becoming India’s first Paralympic medalist.
Petkar’s Journey: From Soldier to Champion
Murlikant Petkar was born on November 1, 1944, in Peth Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra. He excelled in sports from a young age, particularly in hockey and wrestling. His athletic talents led him to join the Boys Battalion of the Indian Army. Petkar continued to shine in sports, representing the Indian Army at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo in 1964.
He won the national boxing title in 1965 but his life changed dramatically during the Indo-Pak war of the same year when he was hit by nine bullets, one of which remains lodged in his spine, paralyzing him from the knee down.
Despite his severe injuries, Petkar did not lose hope. He began swimming as part of his rehabilitation, which soon became his passion. In the 1968 Paralympics, he competed in table tennis and swimming. Four years later, at the 1972 Paralympics, Petkar made history by winning a gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle, setting a world record time of 37.33 seconds.
“Chandu Champion”: The Making of a Biopic
The idea for the biopic “Chandu Champion” originated from a newspaper article that fascinated director Kabir Khan. He spent extensive time researching and interacting with Petkar to accurately depict his life story. Kartik Aaryan underwent a dramatic transformation for the role, reducing his body fat from 39% to 7%.
The film is not just a tribute to Petkar but also highlights the resilience and determination of all para-athletes. It aims to inspire and motivate individuals to overcome their obstacles and achieve greatness.
Petkar’s Emotional Reaction to the Film
Petkar’s emotional response to the film was a mixture of joy and nostalgia. “Yes, I got emotional after watching it,” he said. “It was because I did not get enough recognition at the time when I needed it. They were tears of joy as I am getting that now.”
Impact and Reception
The film has been praised for its accurate and respectful depiction of Petkar’s life. His son, Arjun, mentioned that the family was deeply touched by the film and appreciated how it portrayed Petkar’s struggles and achievements. The movie not only highlights Petkar’s athletic accomplishments but also his unwavering spirit and determination to overcome adversity.
Key Highlights
| Key Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Emotional Reaction | Murlikant Petkar was moved to tears after watching the biopic, expressing that it brought long-awaited recognition. |
| Box Office Success | “Chandu Champion” collected ₹4.75 Crore on its opening day (June 14) and surged to ₹6.75 Crore the following day. |
| Inspiring Journey | The film chronicles Petkar’s journey from a war-injured soldier to India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. |
| Authentic Representation | The film is praised for accurately depicting Petkar’s life and struggles, highlighting para-athletes’ determination. |
| Significant Premiere | The exclusive screening was organized by the Paralympic Committee of India in Vasant Vihar, attended by Petkar, Kartik Aaryan, and Kabir Khan. |
| Petkar’s Background | Born in 1944 in Sangli, Maharashtra, Petkar excelled in sports, joined the Indian Army, and was injured in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. |
| Paralympic Achievement | Petkar won a gold medal in the 1972 Paralympics in the 50-meter freestyle, setting a world record of 37.33 seconds. |
| Kartik Aaryan’s Transformation | Kartik Aaryan underwent a dramatic body transformation for the role, reducing his body fat from 39% to 7%. |
| Director’s Inspiration | Kabir Khan was inspired to make the biopic after reading a newspaper article about Petkar’s life and achievements. |
| Family’s Reaction | Petkar’s family was deeply moved by the film, appreciating its respectful and accurate portrayal of his life. |
| Broad Impact | “Chandu Champion” aims to inspire and motivate individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. |
