'Chandu Champion' a.k.a. Muralikant Petkar a.k.a. determination! The true story behind Kartik Aaryan's upcoming movie

In what he describes as one of his toughest films, actor Kartik Aaryan’s trailer for 'Chandu Champion' is making heads turn. When the poster was released a few days ago, such was the transformation that one had to look twice at it to confirm that it was indeed the 33-year-old actor!

The anticipated biopic follows Muralikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist, who transitioned from a boxer and soldier to a swimmer.

Having sustained nine bullet wounds in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Muralikant Petkar turned to swimming as a means of rehabilitation. Originally a boxer in the Arms and Service branch of the Indian Army, he also excelled in other sports, so much so that he reached the finals in javelin throw and slalom in the 1968 Paralympics, before bagging gold for swimming four years later (1972, Germany Games). He also has a world record to his name in 50m freestyle swimming event, with a timing of 37.33 seconds.

India honoured the champion athlete with the Padmashree in 2018.

Directed by Kabir Khan, known for films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 83 and co-produced with Sajid Nadiadwala, the trailer has garnered positive responses from the audience. The trailer looks promising, checking the boxes of a biopic effortlessly.

Kartik’s new look is also earning praise, watering down doubts regarding his acting skills. His commitment to the role is evident in his physical transformation achieved through a rigorous diet and intense training over one and a half years, notably, without steroids.

The film is set to hit the theatres on the 14th of next month.