Chandu Champion Story, Review, Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast

The film captures the free-spirited essence of Forrest Gump and the inspirational quality of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. However, unlike these two, it carries a rebellious streak without a clear cause or conflict. Petkar’s journey begins with ridicule, igniting his aggression and providing an outlet for his talent and persistence. His daring question to the doubters, “Hasta kayko hai,” fuels the fire within him as he affirms to himself, “Medal se izzat milti hai.”

Most sports biopics focus on athletes who pursue and excel in a specific sport against all odds. Kabir Khan’s film stands out because it centers on a man driven by a singular goal: to win an Olympic medal. He tries his hand at wrestling, boxing, and swimming, displaying a mix of audacity and ambition that borders on the improbable. Petkar’s journey challenges the notion of being delusional, questioning whether this mindset is essential to envision oneself as a champion, even when others doubt your potential.

Kartik Aaryan’s aspiration to be recognized as a serious actor mirrors the inner turmoil of his character in this film. You can almost hear him assert, “Ae hasta kayko hai? Actor hai main actor.” Kabir Khan’s choice of Kartik as the lead is astutely cast. Kartik demonstrates notable restraint, spontaneity, and brings a natural ease to his character, showcasing a new facet of his acting prowess. His uninhibited performance in the well-shot train song ‘Satyanaas’ is particularly impressive. Alongside his physical transformation, Kartik adeptly navigates the emotional journey of his character. Bhuvan Arora shines as Petkar’s amiable companion, while Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz enrich the narrative with their presence. However, for a sports drama, the music could have been more stirring.

Kabir Khan excels in crafting feel-good cinema, and CC (Chandu Champion) fits into that mold. Whether with Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev in 83, or now Kartik as Petkar, he consistently brings out the best in mainstream actors. His storytelling blends humor, sportsmanship, and sincerity, though it sometimes leans towards a formulaic approach. While engaging and heartwarming, CC occasionally feels predictable, lacking the depth to delve deeply into its characters’ inner conflicts. The narrative risks becoming monotonous, impacting the effectiveness of the climax. While staying true to its genre is commendable, a departure from convention could have added freshness to the story.