Decoding Chandu Champion Trailer: How Real-Life War Hero Murlikant Petkar Won India’s First Paralympic Gold?

The much-anticipated trailer for "Chandu Champion" has been released, capturing the inspiring true story of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist. The film, starring Kartik Aaryan and directed by Kabir Khan, delves into Petkar's extraordinary journey from being a soldier in the Indian Army to achieving unparalleled success in sports despite severe injuries.

Let's Decode What We Saw In The Trailer: 

View this post on Instagram

Who is Chandu Champion based on?

Reel Vs Real Picture Of War Hero Murlikant Petkar/X

In "Chandu Champion," Kartik Aaryan portrays Murlikant Petkar, a real-life Paralympic gold medalist. The trailer depicts Murli, a young man with aspirations of earning an Olympic gold medal. He receives a lot of criticism from his classmates, teachers, and parents. Murli's classmates call him "Chandu," but he's determined to prove them wrong. To improve his skills, Murli joins the Indian Army. However, his life takes a tragic turn when he is shot nine times during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, leaving him in a coma for two years. Despite this, Murli's spirit remains strong. The trailer shows his tough training and relentless pursuit of excellence, which eventually led him to win India’s first Paralympic gold medal in swimming at the 1972 Paralympics in Germany.

Also Read: Chandu Champion Poster: Then Vs Now Pics Of Kartik Aaryan’s Transformation From 39–7 Percent Body Fat

The movie portrays Murli's inspiring journey from a ridiculed young boy to a celebrated war hero and athlete, highlighting his determination and resilience against all odds.

Early Life And Military Career Of Murlikant Petkar

Pictures Of Murlikant Petkar/PIB

Murlikant Petkar was born in 1944 in the town of Sangli, Maharashtra. He joined the Indian Army and served in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Petkar was severely injured, sustaining multiple bullet wounds. These injuries led to a permanent disability, but they did not deter his spirit.

How Real-Life War Hero Murlikant Petkar Won India’s First Paralympic Gold

Turning Adversity Into Triumph

After the war, Petkar faced a challenging rehabilitation process. Determined to not let his injuries define his future, he turned to sports as a means of recovery and self-improvement. Petkar's natural talent and unwavering dedication quickly became evident as he began participating in various athletic competitions.

Paralympic Glory

Petkar's defining moment came at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany. Competing in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event, he not only won a gold medal but also set a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. This historic achievement marked India’s first gold medal at the Paralympics, a milestone that brought immense pride to the nation.

Also Read: How Kartik Aaryan's 14-Month Boxing Training For Chandu Champion Changed Him?

In addition to swimming, Petkar showcased his versatility by competing in the javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom events, reaching the finals in all three. His success in these diverse sports demonstrated his exceptional athletic prowess and resilience.

Legacy And Recognition

Pictures Of Murlikant Petkar/Agencies

Murlikant Petkar’s remarkable accomplishments extended beyond his paralympic triumph. He received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2018. 

Chandu Champion: The Movie

"Chandu Champion" aims to bring Petkar’s inspiring story to a wider audience. The trailer has already generated significant buzz, with viewers eager to learn more about this real-life hero’s journey. Kartik Aaryan, who portrays Petkar in the film, expressed his admiration for the athlete, stating that it was an honour to bring such an inspiring story to the screen.

Murlikant Petkar’s life is a shining example of courage, determination, and the will to succeed against all odds. As "Chandu Champion" prepares for its release, it offers a chance for audiences to celebrate and be inspired by the extraordinary journey of a true champion. Through this film, Petkar’s legacy will continue to motivate future generations to strive for excellence, no matter the challenges they may face.

The movie is getting released on June 14, 2024.

For more news and updates from the world of  OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.