Actor Kartik Aaryan and acclaimed director Kabir Khan recently shared insights into their latest project, ‘Chandu Champion,’ delving into the intricacies of its production and the hurdles they encountered during filming.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Chandu Champion’
During a media interaction, Kabir Khan revealed the genesis of ‘Chandu Champion,’ which is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, a soldier in the Indian Army and India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in freestyle swimming. “We chose Jammu as a filming location due to its significant army base, reflecting Petkar’s military background,” Khan explained.
Kartik Aaryan’s Transformation for the Role
Kartik Aaryan spoke candidly about the physical and emotional preparation required for his role. “I had to give up a lot, including chocolates, to achieve the athletic physique necessary for the part. It was crucial to lose significant weight and undergo rigorous training to accurately portray an athlete. This inspiring story demanded immense effort and learning on my part to do justice to the character,” Aaryan shared.
The Making of ‘Chandu Champion’
Highlighting the film’s challenges, Kabir Khan praised Kartik’s dedication, particularly for a demanding eight-minute war sequence shot in a single take. “Kartik had to rehearse extensively with 200-300 soldiers at a height of 10,000 feet in Aru Valley, Kashmir. His commitment to perfecting the scene was commendable,” Khan noted.
Reflecting on the discovery of Murlikant Petkar’s story, Khan said, “I stumbled upon his story through an old article. The dramatic events in Petkar’s life seemed almost unbelievable, and it was astonishing that such a hero was relatively unknown. Finding him was a challenge, but once we did, there was no turning back.”
Why Kartik Aaryan Was Chosen for the Role
Kabir Khan explained his choice of Kartik Aaryan for the titular role. “A director must have an eye for talent and the right energy. Kartik possessed the raw material and the correct attitude needed for ‘Chandu Champion.’ His energy aligned perfectly with the character I envisioned,” Khan elaborated.
Kartik Aaryan’s Challenges and Growth
Kartik Aaryan detailed the rigorous training he underwent, including swimming and boxing, to match the proficiency of his professional opponents. “This role pushed me beyond my limits. Swimming and boxing were foreign to me, and mastering them was tough. This has been the most challenging role of my career,” he admitted.
Despite the intensity of the preparation, Kartik expressed immense pride in the project. “This role has been life-changing, and I am genuinely proud of this film. I hope audiences appreciate the hard work we’ve put into it. As shown in the trailer, our efforts are evident,” he added.
‘Chandu Champion’: A Tale of Resilience
Directed by Kabir Khan, ‘Chandu Champion’ is set to release on June 14. The film narrates the inspiring journey of Murlikant Petkar, celebrating his determination and resilience. Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Chandu promises to engage audiences with a compelling story of perseverance and triumph.
