Showing posts with label Chandu Champion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chandu Champion. Show all posts
Kabir Khan to roll out his second sports drama with Kartik Aaryan; inspired by kickboxer Tajamul Islam
4:16 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 17, 2026)
Filmmaker Kabir Khan isn’t quite done with sports dramas after Chandu Champion (2024). Nor is he done with the movie’s leading man Kartik Aaryan. The director called action on his next, a yet-untitled sports drama inspired by Kashmiri kickboxing prodigy Tajamul Islam, at a restaurant in Parel on March 16. While details about the actor playing the kickboxing star are kept under wraps, Aaryan will reportedly play her coach in the movie.
On the first day of the shoot, Khan filmed with a crowd of nearly 70 junior artistes at a popular Parel restaurant that was reimagined to capture the texture of a lived-in, middle-class world. Aaryan is expected to join the unit later this week.
“The early scenes are about grounding the story in everyday details. Kartik will join by the weekend. He has been training in kickboxing for the role,” said an insider.
The Mumbai stint is expected to run for roughly two weeks, after which the unit will head to Kashmir for an extensive schedule. The insider added, “A significant portion of the film unfolds in the Valley considering Tajamul Islam, the inspiration behind the movie, is from there. Kabir and his team had conducted a long recce in Kashmir in February.”
Who is Tajamul Islam?
- She is India’s first and youngest two-time world kickboxing champion.
-At seven years of age, she won the gold medal in the Under-8 category at the World Kickboxing Championship in 2016. Islam, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, repeated the feat in the Under-14 category in 2021.
- Criticizing the lack of sports facilities in Kashmir, she started her own training academy in Bandipora in 2019.
Even I have heard about the ‘Kartik Aaryan template’ being discussed at films marketing meetings-Kartik Aaryan
9:19 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 29, 2025)
For Kartik Aaryan, 2025 will always remain one of his most special years, with big film announcements one after the other, and of course, his Best Actor wins: IIFA for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Filmfare for Chandu Champion, both 2024 releases. As we catch up with him, the confidence shines through, in both his choices and ambition:
Winning your first-ever Filmfare Best Actor award for Chandu Champion - for a new-generation star like you, did the film feel like an ‘experiment,’ and was the win a vindication of sorts?
Honestly, I didn’t look at Chandu Champion as an experiment at all. The moment I heard the story of (India’s first paralympic gold medallist) Murlikant Petkar ji, I was surprised and deeply moved. I felt this was a story of incredible resilience, courage, and self belief; one every Indian should know. I could totally relate to his story and considered myself truly blessed to get the opportunity to portray such an inspirational real-life hero on screen. I will always be indebted to Kabir (Khan, director) sir and Sajid (Nadiadwala, producer) sir for trusting me with this incredible story. Winning the Filmfare Best Actor award feels like a huge validation, not just for me but for the kind of cinema that celebrates real stories and the human spirit.
Is Chatori (your newest pup) a present you have given to yourself for your Chandu Champion win?
(Laughs) Yes, you can say that! Chatori is actually a gift from my mom, and she’s already become everyone’s favourite at home. Bas Katori thodi si insecure ho gayi hai! Abhi tak donon ki dosti nahin hui hai. But still, Katori is very protective of Chatori like a big sister. The house feels livelier with both of them around.
We celebrated Diwali recently, and one is reminded of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 last year, which pretty much set the benchmark for Diwali releases. Do big box office numbers feel like a responsibility, or add pressure?
The love the audience showered on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was overwhelming, it felt like a festival inside theatres. The film released alongside another massive franchise, and there was immense anticipation among the audience, trade, and media for both. Together, the two films did a combined business of over Rs. 800 crores worldwide (BB3 – Rs. 423.85 cr, Singham Returns – Rs. 389.64 cr). That year, Diwali genuinely felt like Diwali for the entire industry.
For me, these big box office numbers are very motivating, but more than pressure, I see it as a responsibility, to keep entertaining the audience and living up to their expectations. At the same time, I try not to let the numbers dictate my choices. For me, it’s always about the story and the connection it creates with the audience. If that works, everything else follows.
Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri is set for a New Year eve release. How was it reuniting with (actor) Ananya Panday?
The film has shaped up beautifully, it’s got that perfect mix of heart, fun, and festive energy. We had a blast shooting it, and that vibe translates on screen. Reuniting with Ananya was like picking up where we left off, she was a total live-wire on set. She’s going to surprise everyone. I’m sure the audience will enjoy our chemistry in this fun, refreshing rom-com as Ray-Rumi and all the masti the film brings.
Would you call rom-com ‘your’ genre, given your successful track record in them?
Rom-coms come to me quite naturally, maybe they’re just in my DNA (laughs). I guess the audience also enjoys seeing me in such roles, which makes it more special. But I never want to be confined to one genre. I love exploring different kinds of stories and characters. At the end of the day, I go by what truly connects with me, a story that moves me and one that will entertain the audience, no matter what the genre is.
One hears that you don’t limit yourself to just acting, you get involved in marketing too. There’s even a ‘Kartik Aaryan template’ now. Where did this streak come from?
I think I’m also a bit of a businessman at heart (smiles). For me, it’s equally important to market a film in the best possible way. Today, storytelling doesn’t end with the shoot, how you present it to the audience matters just as much. So I like being involved in all aspects of film making. Thankfully, my producers have been welcoming and yes, even I have heard about the ‘Kartik Aaryan template’ being discussed at films marketing meetings! Trust me, its really encouraging.
With Chandu Champion now and 83 earlier, there have been repeat viewings on OTT-Kabir Khan
8:26 AM
With Chandu Champion getting a new lease of life on OTT, director Kabir says BO figures aren’t the only parameter to judge a movie
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 25, 2024)
Chandu Champion may not have made much noise at the box office on its release. But Kartik Aaryan and filmmaker Kabir Khan took home the Best Actor and Best Director trophies at a recent international film festival. To Khan, the honour holds special importance for a reason.
“Since it was from an international jury, composed of celebrated filmmakers and critics who are judging you only on the basis of the film, it gives you validation. When I heard Chandu Champion’s story, I knew it had to be told, and if I didn’t tell this story, it would be a crime that our country would never get to know about Murlikant [Petkar].”
Making the biopic was challenging for both Khan and his leading man. The director recalls, “The making was tough given the kind of transformation Kartik had to go through. It’s not easy to go from 39 per cent body fat to seven per cent. He dedicated a year-and-a-half to learning boxing because he fought against real boxers in the film.”
Chandu Champion reportedly made Rs 87 crores at the box office. The director admits that box-office figures matter to him, but not as much as the audience’s love does.
“Any filmmaker who says that box office doesn’t matter is not speaking the truth; it does. But it’s not the only parameter to judge a film. The most important for me is how much the film is remembered and spoken about, after some time passes. With Chandu Champion now and 83 [2021] earlier, there have been repeat viewings on OTT. People kept going back to the film. That shows a film’s legacy and how long it stays in people’s memory. In terms of box office numbers, my first film, Kabul Express [2006] was the lowest out of all my films. But after 18 years, people come up to me and say they loved it. So, there are lots of different parameters today through which you judge how deeply has a film connected.”
Even as Khan is working on several film ideas, including one with Katrina Kaif, he says he hasn’t zeroed in on his next. Is there a reunion with Salman Khan in the cards, considering Babbar Sher is not working out?
“Salman is somebody who I’ve had a great association with. We’ve done three films together and two characters we created—Tiger and Bajrangi—have become truly iconic. I’d love to reunite with him. We keep discussing ideas when we meet, but nothing is locked.”
Why do you need to know how much money a film is making?-Bhuvan Arora
9:09 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 15, 2024)
K artik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion opened to critical acclaim when it arrived in theatres this June. However, the film failed to bring in the big bucks and underperformed at the box office. Actor Bhuvan Arora, who played Garnail Singh in the film, calls its collection a “loss for the industry”.
Talking about the current scenario at the box office, Arora says, “It’s become very unpredictable for makers to understand what will work. What really matters is if people are giving a film a fair shot or not.”
He continues, “I feel it’s a loss for the industry when a film is made and received well but doesn’t get massive numbers at the box office. It demotivates filmmakers from making similar films.”
Despite his disappointment, the actor feels the discussion around box office numbers needs to stop. “It’s high time we, as an audience, stop talking about numbers. Everyone is just talking about numbers; no one is talking about the art, it has taken a back seat because of this. Why do you need to know how much money a film is making?”
Arora, who is still getting a lot of love for his character, two months after the film released, asserts, “We knew from the word go that it was going to be a good film as it is a story that needed to be told. Kabir sir (Khan) is a fabulous filmmaker and everything that should have been right, was right.”
I have a family connection with the Olympics-Shaan
8:03 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 24, 2024)
Paris 2024 Olympics will commence on July 26 and singer Shaan will give a soulful start to it with a performance at the first-ever India House in Paris, France. “It’s a matter of honour and privilege for me to be there at the inauguration of the India House to perform for the Indian contingent and encourage all Indians cheering for the Indian athletes,” he exclaims.
Shaan reveals that he has a special connection with the Olympics. “My first cousins Rahul Banerjee and Dola Banerjee, who have represented India at the highest level in archery, will be there as coaches this time. So, I have a family connection with the Olympics,” he says, adding that sports and music go hand-in-hand: “A lot of my friends in sports tell me that music plays a huge role in getting them in the zone and helping them relax.”
India House at the Olympics has been conceptualized by businessperson Nita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation, and Shaan will deliver a 90-minute performance on day one.
“There’s a song that I recorded for Chandu Champion, but it wasn’t used in the film. I will be performing that for the first time, dedicating it to the Indian athletes. We will also perform a medley of songs related to sports and patriotism. Besides that, I will also sing songs such as Deewangi Deewangi (Om Shanti Om; 2007), Dus Bahane (Dus; 2005) and Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (Dil Chahta Hai; 2001), among others.”
This is Shaan’s first time at the Olympics and he’s excited to be there. “For the first time, I will see some of the Olympic events live,” he ends.
In Chandu Champion, we glorified Murlikant Petkar’s spirit, not him-Sumit Arora
11:03 AM
Unfazed by Chandu Champion’s slow start at the BO, writer says Petkar’s spirit and expertise in different games make film stand out from other sports biopics
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 22, 2024)
When director Kabir Khan shared Murlikant Petkar’s life story with writer Sumit Arora, he was gobsmacked. He wondered, ‘All this happened to one person!’ From this place of marvel was born Chandu Champion. The Kartik Aaryan-led biopic traces how Petkar, a rookie wrestler, joined the Indian Army, where he became a boxer. After the 1965 India-Pakistan war left him paralysed waist-down, he learnt swimming and went on to win India’s first Paralaympic gold medal in 1972. The biopic’s writing process entailed long Zoom calls with the man himself.
Arora recalls, “Kabir had already met him before we started writing. On Zoom calls, [we realized] that all the things that were fascinating for us were routine to him. He would tell us matter-of-factly, ‘I woke up from a two-year coma and then learnt swimming.’ From his childhood, he was clear about his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. That dream never left him. That was our take-away from the meeting.”
Over the past few years, Bollywood has witnessed a spurt in sports biopics—from Khan’s 83 (2021) to Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan and now, Chandu Champion. How does a writer then make his story stand out? It’s all in the details, says Arora. “What makes this different from other sports biopics? That was a question we asked ourselves. From day one, it was clear to us that this man’s never-give-up spirit is something that hasn’t been tapped in a Hindi film. Also, here is a man who played sports in two categories.”
The writer was also cautious of not making it a hagiography, a route that many biopics in India take. “What made him a hero was not his body; it was his spirit. We glorified his spirit, not him.”
The movie marks the director’s first collaboration with Aaryan. It was the actor’s “boyish charm” that landed him the role. Arora shares, “We started writing without a face in mind because we wanted to tell the story first. During that process, Kabir thought of Kartik and felt he had a boyish charm. Kartik was hungry to do a role like this.”
Despite the leading man’s popularity and Khan’s credibility, Chandu Champion opened to underwhelming box-office numbers. Did the team feel the pinch? “We’re getting a lot of love. What matters to me is that whoever is going for the film, has loved it.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 835
9:39 AM
CHANDU CHAMPION UNDERPERFORMS; MUNJYA ROCK-STEADY; WILL ISHQ VISHK REBOUND SURPRISE?
Last week’s Chandu Champion didn’t open to the desired numbers. The expectation was that it would open at around Rs. 7 crores. However, it had an opening of just Rs. 4.25 crores. Thankfully, it jumped to Rs. 6.75 crores on Saturday and Rs. 9.75 crores on Sunday. The Monday collections were a bit higher, due to the Bakri Eid holiday (Rs. 5 crores). On Tuesday, it dropped to Rs. 3 crores. The first week’s collections are expected to be around Rs. 34 crores.
Munjya meanwhile collected Rs. 35.77 crores in the first week and was rock steady on the second Friday. After collecting Rs. 3.50 crores on its eighth day, it collected Rs. 6.25 crores and Rs. 8 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. From Monday, it started collecting more than Chandu Champion. While it earned Rs. 5.25 crores on Monday, its Tuesday collections were Rs. 3.25 crores. The second week's collections will be around Rs. 32 crores which is a feat as the first week’s collections were Rs. 35.77 crores. By collecting around Rs. 68 crores in two weeks, it now has the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark.
This week’s big release is Ishq Vishk Rebound. As the name suggests, it is like the spiritual successor to Ishq Vishk. But it’s not a reboot or a continuation of the first part. It stars Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan and Naila Grrewal. Backed by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Films, it is directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari. The film was shot way back in 2022.
The teaser and trailer are interesting. After a long time, there has been a film of this kind. Also, the music has caught attention. However, the buzz is limited. The star cast is also new and not that popular, although Rohit Saraf has a following among urban female audiences.
Yet, the opening won’t be much and would be under Rs. 3 crores. The makers and distributors, it seems, are aware and have given the film a tight release. The shows would be increased if there’s a demand. Also, following the footsteps of Munjya and Chandu Champion, the ticket prices on the release day are in the range of Rs. 150 – Rs. 200. Incidentally, the distributor of all three films is the same – Pen Marudhar.
Last week’s Chandu Champion didn’t open to the desired numbers. The expectation was that it would open at around Rs. 7 crores. However, it had an opening of just Rs. 4.25 crores. Thankfully, it jumped to Rs. 6.75 crores on Saturday and Rs. 9.75 crores on Sunday. The Monday collections were a bit higher, due to the Bakri Eid holiday (Rs. 5 crores). On Tuesday, it dropped to Rs. 3 crores. The first week’s collections are expected to be around Rs. 34 crores.
Munjya meanwhile collected Rs. 35.77 crores in the first week and was rock steady on the second Friday. After collecting Rs. 3.50 crores on its eighth day, it collected Rs. 6.25 crores and Rs. 8 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. From Monday, it started collecting more than Chandu Champion. While it earned Rs. 5.25 crores on Monday, its Tuesday collections were Rs. 3.25 crores. The second week's collections will be around Rs. 32 crores which is a feat as the first week’s collections were Rs. 35.77 crores. By collecting around Rs. 68 crores in two weeks, it now has the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark.
This week’s big release is Ishq Vishk Rebound. As the name suggests, it is like the spiritual successor to Ishq Vishk. But it’s not a reboot or a continuation of the first part. It stars Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan and Naila Grrewal. Backed by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Films, it is directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari. The film was shot way back in 2022.
The teaser and trailer are interesting. After a long time, there has been a film of this kind. Also, the music has caught attention. However, the buzz is limited. The star cast is also new and not that popular, although Rohit Saraf has a following among urban female audiences.
Yet, the opening won’t be much and would be under Rs. 3 crores. The makers and distributors, it seems, are aware and have given the film a tight release. The shows would be increased if there’s a demand. Also, following the footsteps of Munjya and Chandu Champion, the ticket prices on the release day are in the range of Rs. 150 – Rs. 200. Incidentally, the distributor of all three films is the same – Pen Marudhar.
Bhuvan Arora recalls how he suffered 50% damage in eardrum while shooting for Chandu Champion
2:32 PM
Chandu Champion actor Bhuvan recalls how he suffered 50 per cent damage in eardrum during a shot; regained full hearing over next six weeks
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 18, 2024)
Over a year after Farzi (2023), Bhuvan Arora has returned with the Kartik Aaryan-led Chandu Champion, in which he plays a boxer. While such a role can be demanding for any actor, Arora considers it his riskiest to date. Reason? Kabir Khan’s directorial venture left him with a 50 per cent damaged eardrum. The incident happened in Mumbai, on the second last day of his shoot.
“I was shooting for a boxing sequence. Accidentally, one of my co-actors hit me in the face and it hurt me hard. I didn’t shoot for the next few hours. I thought [the pain] was momentary, but later, I felt something irritating my left ear,” he recalls.
When the pain and discomfort continued for a few days, Arora consulted a specialist. “When I went to my ENT, he told me I had damaged 50 per cent of my eardrum. I didn’t realize it initially, because my [right] ear was working fine. I had to undergo treatment for a while. I was told if the eardrum doesn’t repair itself in six weeks, I would require a reconstruction surgery. Thankfully, six weeks later, it had healed a fair bit. So, the doctor decided against surgery.”
The actor considers it miraculous that his left ear healed and he regained full hearing ability. He knows it could have been catastrophic otherwise. “For an actor, hearing is a big part of the job requirement. I was worried about going deaf; it was emotionally challenging. I went for regular check-ups. I have learnt to never take my health for granted.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: CHANDU CHAMPION by FENIL SETA
4:11 PM
Chandu Champion is based on the unbelievable life story of Murlikant Petkar. The film is well-paced and keeps one engaged from start to finish. A lot happens in the first half and it keeps the interest going. The intermission comes at a dramatic juncture and the second half gets a bit serious. The narrative goes back and forth and it happens very smoothly. It adds to the interest level, especially in the second half. On the flipside, the ending is not nail-biting and is very predictable. The film comes at a time when we have seen Maidaan and other sports biopics and hence, the impact is not as much. Most importantly, the film rushes through key incidents of Murlikant's life. Certain events are described verbally; they should have been depicted visually for a better impact. And this was very much possible as the film's runtime is just 139 minutes. Hence, the film could have been longer by 10 minutes. Kartik Aaryan, however, is terrific and you need to see to believe how he has gotten into the skin of his character. His transformation as an old man will also astonish viewers. Vijay Raaz is dependable as always. Bhuvan Arora (Garnail) lends able support. Bhagyashri Borse (Nayantara) is lovely in a cameo. Rajpal Yadav (Topaz) is adorable, as always. Yashpal Sharma, Ganesh Yadav (Ganpat) and the actors playing Murlikant's family members are fair. Shreyas Talpade is the surprise factor of the film while Sonali Kulkarni is great in a cameo. All in all, Chandu Champion makes for a nice one-time watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 834
8:53 AM
MUNJYA IS A SUCCESS; ALL EYES ON CHANDU CHAMPION AND MAHARAJ
Last week’s release, Munjya, has proved all calculations wrong. The buzz seemed limited and it was expected to open at Rs. 1 crore. A day before the release, it seemed like the film would manage to open at Rs. 2 crores. But it managed to open at a huge Rs. 4.25 crores. Usually, when a film overperforms on day 1, it drops on the second day or doesn’t grow significantly. Munjya, however, jumped to Rs. 7.25 crores on Saturday. The drop was minimal on Sunday – Rs. 8.25 crores – due to the India vs Pakistan match. On Monday, the film collected Rs. 4 crores when usually films drop 40-50% on day 4. Tuesday's collections were the same as Monday's.
What went in favour of Munjya was the horror-comedy genre and its connection with the Stree-Bhediya universe. Also, the makers kept the ticket rates in check. The weekday trend is strong because in certain parts of North India, the film took time to get the audience. Looking at the trend, it seems like it’ll have a first week of Rs. 35 crores. It also indicates that the second Friday will be strong. If that happens, Munjya can have a lifetime of Rs. 75-80 crores. In fact, a Rs. 100 crore lifetime also can’t be ruled out!
This week’s big release is Chandu Champion. It stars Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, a sportsman who had an unbelievable journey. It is directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The trailer was launched in a grand fashion in Kartik’s hometown, Gwalior. The trailer catches attention, especially due to Kartik’s transformation.
However, the buzz for the film is limited as the trailer has a niche appeal. The songs haven’t worked at all. Kartik’s last film Satyaprem Ki Katha opened at Rs. 8.20 crores and looking at the advance, Chandu Champion might open lower than the 2023 film or in the same range. if the word of mouth is positive, it can see a huge jump from Friday evening.
Lastly, Junaid Khan’s debut film, Maharaj, will stream on Netflix from tomorrow. It is backed by Yash Raj Films and has faced trouble after Vishwa Hindu Parishad objected to the film’s plot. As a result, the makers haven’t released the trailer of the film at all. They won’t put up hoardings and it is said that Netflix won’t even upload a ‘Now streaming’ post on their social media handles! This is the first time something of this sort is happening. Nevertheless, the film will get the desired viewership as the controversy has grabbed eyeballs.
Last week’s release, Munjya, has proved all calculations wrong. The buzz seemed limited and it was expected to open at Rs. 1 crore. A day before the release, it seemed like the film would manage to open at Rs. 2 crores. But it managed to open at a huge Rs. 4.25 crores. Usually, when a film overperforms on day 1, it drops on the second day or doesn’t grow significantly. Munjya, however, jumped to Rs. 7.25 crores on Saturday. The drop was minimal on Sunday – Rs. 8.25 crores – due to the India vs Pakistan match. On Monday, the film collected Rs. 4 crores when usually films drop 40-50% on day 4. Tuesday's collections were the same as Monday's.
What went in favour of Munjya was the horror-comedy genre and its connection with the Stree-Bhediya universe. Also, the makers kept the ticket rates in check. The weekday trend is strong because in certain parts of North India, the film took time to get the audience. Looking at the trend, it seems like it’ll have a first week of Rs. 35 crores. It also indicates that the second Friday will be strong. If that happens, Munjya can have a lifetime of Rs. 75-80 crores. In fact, a Rs. 100 crore lifetime also can’t be ruled out!
This week’s big release is Chandu Champion. It stars Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, a sportsman who had an unbelievable journey. It is directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The trailer was launched in a grand fashion in Kartik’s hometown, Gwalior. The trailer catches attention, especially due to Kartik’s transformation.
However, the buzz for the film is limited as the trailer has a niche appeal. The songs haven’t worked at all. Kartik’s last film Satyaprem Ki Katha opened at Rs. 8.20 crores and looking at the advance, Chandu Champion might open lower than the 2023 film or in the same range. if the word of mouth is positive, it can see a huge jump from Friday evening.
Lastly, Junaid Khan’s debut film, Maharaj, will stream on Netflix from tomorrow. It is backed by Yash Raj Films and has faced trouble after Vishwa Hindu Parishad objected to the film’s plot. As a result, the makers haven’t released the trailer of the film at all. They won’t put up hoardings and it is said that Netflix won’t even upload a ‘Now streaming’ post on their social media handles! This is the first time something of this sort is happening. Nevertheless, the film will get the desired viewership as the controversy has grabbed eyeballs.
If I got to know that my fee is affecting a film, I took a cut-Kartik Aaryan
8:29 AM
Getting candid, Kartik Aaryan believes the film is always the priority; talks rising film costs and making tough calls as an actor
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 10, 2024)
Lately, it has been go, go, go for actor Kartik Aaryan, without a “moment to rest’. “I haven’t slept in four nights; I’ve been in different time zones after the launch of the Chandu Champion trailer in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). I was in London for an event, then in Mumbai, followed by Delhi, Dubai and now, I’m back in Mumbai,” explains the actor, who wants to “get everything right” before the release of his next. The biopic, a first in his career, is based on the life of freestyle swimmer Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.
The 33-year-old has joined hands with filmmaker Kabir Khan, another first. He shares, “We were supposed to meet and I thought the meeting would last maybe 15 to 20 minutes. But we ended up chatting for two-and-a-half-hours and I was very excited when he narrated Murli sir’s story to me.”
ON THE RISING FILM COSTS DEBATE
In the past, Aaryan has taken decisions where he has put the well-being of the film ahead of demanding a higher fee. The actor opted to become a co-producer on his 2023 film, Shehzada, taking a fee cut, and this move helped to control the film’s budget. Today, as conversations around the rising costs of film due to celebrity’s entourage and exorbitant fees rage on, we ask him his take on the debate.
As an actor, Aaryan feels it is important to be involved in all aspects of the film, especially the budget. “Aise nahi hai ki mujhe pehle bauhaut paise milte the. When I got to the point where my fees could affect my film and if I got to know that it is affecting the film’s journey, then I took a call on my remuneration. My logic is you have to know the economics behind a film, if it’s going to be profitable. If it won’t, then everybody should chip in to try and make things work. It can’t be that only one person is in the profitable zone and nobody else is; that is wrong,” he wraps up.
A shift from the ‘goofy charmer’
Most of Aaryan’s characters have been the ‘charming romantic’. His next will be a stark departure from this. Ask why not continue and capitalize on the ‘cute’ image for guaranteed financial success and he says, “When films come your way you have to decide [what kind of films you want to do]. That decision can’t be made on the basis of agar ek chal gayi toh yahi genre ki film karunga. There was a time I didn’t have many options but I gave 200% to my work. Now I have options and I go with my instinct. It is like an exam, you don’t know what the result will be.”
By the end of it, Kartik Aaryan could pull off push-ups with a 50-kilo plate on his back-Tridev Pandey
10:34 AM
Chronicling Kartik’s transformation to play the role of a Paralympics athlete in Chandu Champion, actor’s trainer Tridev Pandey on turning him into an athlete
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 22, 2024)
We find ourselves repeating what we hear in a bid to ascertain that we weren’t mistaken while digging up details about Kartik Aaryan’s fitness parameters. His trainer repeats himself. “That’s right. It was 39,” says Tridev Pandey of Aaryan’s fat percentage. In a bid to comprehend the commendable physical transformation that Aaryan brought about, those unfamiliar with the science of fitness would benefit from knowing that typically, this value would be classified as obese.
“When we started training, he had only concluded filming Freddy, and was 90 kilos. We did our fitness analysis on day one, and he couldn’t perform a single full-range push-up. He couldn’t execute a pull-up either,” says Pandey, a national-level boxer who had been roped in to help Aryan learn the art of boxing for Chandu Champion, the actor’s next based on India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar.
Pandey was told that his task for Kabir Khan’s film was two-fold. “I was told that this would be the first time that he would flaunt his body on the big screen, so we had to deliver accordingly. Apart from altering his body composition to look fit, I had to also train him to look like a boxer. This isn’t a film in which there are 10-second boxing bouts; here, there were six proper fight sequences. So, he had to learn the sport from scratch.”
Having spent his life perfecting the art of boxing, Pandey knew that he would have to first train Aaryan to have command over his bodyweight. “Bodyweight training is crucial to developing speed, strength, and agility. The sport also requires endurance and accuracy. He had to train to address all these aspects so that he could truly comprehend what boxers feel and how they train. We trained for a year-and-a-half, and by the end of it, he could pull off push-ups with a 50-kilo plate on his back, and pull-ups with 27.5 kilos adhered to him,” says the proud trainer, who divided Aaryan’s days into two halves so that he could complete his boxing sessions in the morning, and wrap up his strength training routine in the evening.
“If he had a good recovery, we’d pull off a strength-based set the next morning, so that he could train harder. If he hadn’t gotten adequate rest, we’d do cardio, and perform the basics of boxing exercises, like jabs or straight hooks.”
Small steps to success
Pandey describes Aaryan’s routine as “pretty simple”. He’d make the actor perform 15 to 20 repetitions of an exercise with sufficient weights to induce muscle fatigue. Subsequently, he’d increase the weights and have him pull off 12 to 15 repetitions. As Aaryan enhanced his strength, and performed more repetitions with the added weights, Pandey challenged him further.
“He started as a beginner, and, within 14 months, moved on to doing professional-level exercises. We also had to include technique work, like skipping, because he couldn’t do it. Boxers indulge in three-minute-long matches, interrupted by minute-long breaks. Throughout the three minutes, players are expected to stay on their toes so that they can be agile and move from one place to another. To develop that, skipping is the best exercise. It’s crucial for boxers, and helps them develop [strength in their] calf muscles, agility, stamina, and endurance. If you compare the benefits of running with those of skipping, there is research that proves that [for boxers], skipping is more beneficial. By the end of our training, he could pull off 15 variations of skipping.”
No short cuts for Aaryan
Pandey states that Aaryan’s malleability is evident in the fact that, in a limited time, he could learn an array of skills. “You can see him pull off a set of four [unbroken] handstand push-ups. He has not used any body double; all the fitness-related scenes that you see in the film feature him. I am happy that he achieved this without the use of steroids. Many people are motivated to take short cuts. But he did not want to go down that road. He is vegetarian, but he consumed eggs during that period. He had protein supplements, multivitamins, and other supplements for recovery. From a 2,200-calorie diet, we brought him down to a 1,800-calorie meal plan,” he says.
What was his fat percentage when filming concluded, you ask? “We brought him down to seven.” Typically, this composition is associated with athletes.
When I first heard Chandu Champion, I couldn’t believe it was a true story-Kartik Aaryan
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Kartik discusses how he transformed physically to depict different stages of Petkar’s life in Chandu Champion
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 12, 2024)
For the final episode of her chat show No Filter Neha, host Neha Dhupia was joined by Kartik Aaryan as a guest. The two talked about all things Chandu Champion. Kabir Khan’s directorial venture is based on Murlikant Petkar, who sustained grave injuries in the 1965 India-Pakistan War and rose against the odds to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. The actor revealed that he was in a state of disbelief when the project came his way.
“Chandu Champion is one of the toughest films that I have done because it has so many elements. Murlikant Petkar ji’s journey is unlike any other. When I first heard the film, I couldn’t believe it was a true story. He was not associated with one sport alone; there were different sports and different phases in his life. Also, he was an army officer. So, the log line of the film is a man who refuses to surrender,” said Aaryan.
From New York (2009) to 83 (2021), Khan is known for his eye for detail. It wasn’t any different for the biopic. The leading man says that he had to undergo physical transformation to step into Petkar’s shoes.
“We are showing him at 17 years old, 24 years old, and in later [years]. So, you’ll see a complete transformation in me throughout the film. My [fitness] routine was based on how the character had to look—he had to look childlike at one stage, mature in another. The shoot lasted a year, and I didn’t do anything else during that time.”
Kartik Aaryan a favourite among filmmakers and the name brands are looking to sign up
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Kartik Aaryan is leading the ‘next-gen Bollywood story’, making him a favourite among filmmakers and the name brands are looking to sign up
THE ECONOMIC TIMES (February 20, 2024)
Kartik Aaryan has emerged as the torchbearer for the next generation of Bollywood actors, not only because his films have been successful blockbusters but also because he’s a formidable name in the world of brand endorsements.
Aaryan, who debuted on the ‘Forbes India Celebrity 100 list’ in 2019, today boasts of an impressive portfolio of brand associations that transcend international boundaries.
Aaryan entered the industry as an outsider, but with his boyish charm, relatability and effervescent energy, has climbed up the pedestal to become a favourite among corporates.
One of the key factors contributing to Aaryan’s unparalleled success when it comes to signing up brands is his discerning choice of films and the diverse characters he brings to life on screen.
Neeraj Joshi, marketing head at Zee Studios, said, “Aaryan’s is a story that brands love. A boy-next-door from central India making it big with sheer determination, undeniable talent and ‘in-your-face’ attitude. His appeal cuts across age, gender and orientation, which is something most big stars still covet.”
Spate of successes
His recent successes, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Freddy and Dhamaka, have skyrocketed his brand value and demand. His upcoming roster includes the muchanticipated horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the youth-centric Aashiqui 3, and Chandu Champion, a real-life-inspired tale targeted at audiences across demographics. He also has a collaboration with Dharma Productions coming up on an untitled war film, which further solidifies his status as a versatile actor.
“Aaryan is known for portraying characters that resonate with the youth. Gen Z appreciates humour that aligns with their sensibilities, and through his fashion choices, movie roles and social media visibility, Aaryan is massively popular among youngsters,” said Joy Chatterjee, AVP sales and marketing, Mankind Consumer Business Unit.
Even within these factors, his active social media persona stands out as a robust advantage. “For advertisers, social media presence can be a valuable asset. While collaborating with a celebrity or influencer, the first metric a brand looks at is the ‘reach’ they have and what kind of a target audience follows them,” Chatterjee added.
A diverse list of brands
Proof of Aaryan’s magnetism lies in the extensive list of brands he endorses, which spans diverse categories: From FMCG giants like McDonalds, Dabur Red and Cadbury Silk to technology and lifestyle brands like Superdry, Boat Speakers, GTPL and Armani Exchange watches, Kartik’s brand spectrum is as vast as it is impressive. In 2023, his campaigns including #ApnePartnerSePucho (Manforce Condoms), #TheKartikAaryanMeal (McDonald’s) and #YaaronWaaliBaat (McDowell) have been the talk of the brand world.
Today, Aaryan’s commercial value is such that he commands fees between Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 5 crore per brand. He also earns Rs. 40-50 crore per film. These figures are testament to his box office prowess and the immense draw he has for audiences and brands alike.
In Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022, Aaryan held the 17th position with a brand value of $36.5 million. This not only underscores his popularity but also highlights his ability to resonate with diverse audiences, often through the infusion of humour into his brand associations.
Renowned trade analyst Joginder Tuteja called Aaryan the new face in brand world. “He is a driving force in the world of endorsements. With more than two dozen brands in his kitty, he’s among the top three celebs in the country. It’s indeed a remarkable feat for a person who comes from the heartland, to not just make it big in the glamour world but also retain high levels of popularity among such a large chunk of the audiences. He is one of the leading faces in Bollywood and the brand world,” Tuteja said.
Kabir Khan in talks with Tiger Shroff for his next?
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Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 11, 2024)
If things go as planned, Tiger Shroff may play the lead in Kabir Khan’s next project. According to industry insiders, the filmmaker is in “active discussions” with the actor for an action film.
“Kabir wants to cast Tiger Shroff. He thinks it is an apt project for them to get together on. While not much is known about the storyline, it is an action project set in the Northeast,” says the source.
However, the Ganapath (2023) actor is “yet to sign the dotted line”. The source adds, “The role that he (Kabir Khan) has in mind for Tiger fits perfectly with the actor’s present image, while giving a distinctive touch to it. Discussions are still on.”
For the same project, the 83 (2021) director will be reuniting with writer K V Vijayendra Prasad, with whom he collaborated in 2015 for the Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
“Kabir is really excited and happy to work with Prasad; they have something special planned. Their pairing turned out to be successful the last time and they’ll hopefully create the same magic this time, too,” the insider adds.
We reached out to both Kabir and Tiger to confirm the news, but didn’t get any response until the time of going to press.
Meanwhile, there is also buzz that the filmmaker might collaborate with actor Salman Khan once again for a film titled Babbar Sher. Among other projects, Kabir is currently filming Chandu Champion, starring Kartik Aaryan.
Chandu Champion: Kartik Aaryan shoots crucial scene with a crowd of 200 on elaborate runway set
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Sources say Chandu Champion director built a runway set in Ghatkopar, where Kartik shot a scene with a crowd of 200
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 25, 2023)
In September, Kartik Aaryan and director Kabir Khan took their maiden collaboration, Chandu Champion, on floors in London. It was followed by an extensive schedule in Kashmir. Now, in the film’s last leg, the team has been shooting relentlessly across different pockets of Mumbai. mid-day has learnt that Khan recently had an elaborate set of a runway built at Ghatkopar Police Ground to film a critical sequence in the biopic of Murlikant Petkar.
It turns out that over the past three days, the leading man canned the sequence with a crowd of 200 people. A source reveals, “The scene, which comes at a crucial juncture in the narrative, needed a massive crowd. Kabir is known for his attention to detail. The director had earmarked three days for the set-piece, ensuring that he shot it exactly how it had played out in real life.”
The unit has taken a break for Christmas today, and another for New Year. Other than that, they are making brisk progress through the schedule, and hope to wrap up the film in January.
Chandu Champion is an important project for Aaryan, who has been known for his light-hearted roles so far. With the biopic, he steps into the shoes of Petkar, who sustained grave injuries in the 1965 India-Pakistan War and rose against the odds to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.
If we win this world cup, I am sure we will, India will celebrate another round of Diwali-Kartik Aaryan
8:48 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2023)
Kartik Aaryan, who has been busy shooting in Wai, took some time out to soak in the cricket frenzy and celebrate India’s unbeaten run in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 with Bombay Times.
Ahead of the massive India vs Australia WC final today in Ahmedabad, positive about a historic win, the actor shares his thoughts. Excerpts…
Any match day jitters? We all are hoping for a fairy-tale ending, aren’t we? India has stayed unbeaten in this tournament and now the team is all set for the big final against Australia. What’s your mood right now?
There's no question of nervousness. There’s pure joy and excitement to see India get to the finals. We’ve had a dream run so far and it has been a historic World Cup. Be it the records we've broken and especially getting this far with only victories and NO LOSS is extremely commendable. I am super excited. It does feel like a fairy-tale.
What are your plans for the big final today?
I have already requested Kabir (Khan) sir to give us some time off from the shoot for the epic finale because that is something we cannot miss! My team and I have been shooting for the longest time throughout the world cup. But someone from my team is always updated with the match score and whenever we are between the shots, we would all watch it together. I have been following the world cup closely. I didn't want to miss watching Virat Kohli's tremendous form with the bat and Mohammed Shami's terrific bowling. The rush of watching the match with your closed ones is unmatched. My cricket fever doesn’t diminish even during hectic shoots.
Cricket is in our blood as they say. Talk to us about your memories and connect with the game.
I just enjoy the sport, be it playing or watching it. Even now when I get the chance, I am always game for it. On the sets of Chandu Champion whenever we get a break or a day off, we all plan a game of cricket and play together. I have so many memories attached to the game. Back in Gwalior, when we were kids, we used to play cricket on the streets a lot. I remember how everyone would get together to watch the World Cup, especially the India-Pakistan match. It felt like a festival. Everyone would be clapping and hooting and almost celebrating our fours and sixes and every wicket of the opposition. Even today, the thrill to watch our Indian players play is the same - it makes one’s heart thump with every ball. Cricket is a festival in India that everyone loves to celebrate with all their heart and spirit. Since I have been so fond of cricket since childhood, I am always star struck whenever I meet our cricket legends.
Even cricketers are superstitious, are you one when you watch a big clash like this? Any things that you do or don’t do while watching a match?
Not really but you know how it is when we Indians watch cricket with friends and family. We are so engrossed in it and want India to win every match at any cost, that if anything said or done works coincidentally in our favour, one must then follow it throughout the match (laughs). But all of this is fun and such superstitions must be treated lightly. Because no matter what we do, it is our team’s sheer hard work that produces results. They bleed blue to make us proud.
Virat’s 50 ODI centuries, Rohit Sharma’s destructive form, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Shami’s terrific form. Every member has contributed but what has been the highlight of this WC for you?
Virat's 50th ODI century was a milestone and what a proud & historic moment it was for all of us. What made this moment truly so special for everyone who has grown up loving & living cricket is the fact that Sachin Tendulkar sir himself was present at Wankhede. He’s known as the God of cricket and when his record was broken, he humbly congratulated Virat and praised him highly. That century was so memorable, even though he had cramps, he kept fighting and completed his 50th century - exceptional! K L Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, Bumrah are all in such a great form right now. Rohit Sharma is a phenomenal captain and finally, there are no words for Shami’s iconic bowling - the way he took 7 wickets in the semifinal, he owned the game and how. Despite missing the first 4 matches, he's the leading wicket taker in the tournament, hats off for this achievement. The semi-final match was iconic.
How will you celebrate tonight if India wins?
If we win this world cup, I am sure we will, India will celebrate another round of Diwali. Finally, 2003 WC ka badla pura ho jayega (laughs). When we had won the World Cup in 2011, I remember the streets were crowded, people were out with the national flag, celebrating on the roads with crackers and fireworks. What a moment it was! I hope to witness the same tonight. And I'm sure we will be celebrating it on our sets of Chandu Champion with the whole crew aur phir toh mere liye woh cheat meal day ban jaayega... fir se Cake kaatengey. Hope my trainers are not reading this (laughs).
Srinagar boy Aatif Bin Altaf gets his Bollywood break with Kartik Aaryan-starrer Chandu Champion
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Foraying into films with Chandu Champion, Srinagar boy Aatif Bin Altaf on how director Kabir bettered him as actor; says SRK’s struggle inspired him to pursue movies
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 27, 2023)
For Kashmir boy Aatif Bin Altaf, Bollywood was always the destination. Little did he know that it would happen to him sooner than later. Altaf, who hails from Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, has got his Bollywood break in Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion, which features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role.
“A casting agency in Srinagar contacted me for the role as the agents had seen my work in ads. When they told me I was selected for Chandu Champion, I was thrilled. I didn’t have to audition,” he beams.
Chandu Champion is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, who was rendered paraplegic after sustaining injuries in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He then rose against the odds to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in 1972 by bagging the top place in 50-metre freestyle swimming. Director Khan and leading man Aaryan recently wrapped up the Kashmir schedule, in which they shot the crucial war sequences. Altaf, who plays a soldier alongside Aaryan, is all praise for the actor.
“Kartik sir is calm and very hard-working. No matter how much time it takes, he gives all his shots with complete patience. I learnt punctuality from him—sometimes we’d have to wake up at 3.30 am to reach the sets by 4 am. Kartik sir, along with the entire team, would always be on time.”
An actor’s first director can often leave a lasting impression. Altaf considers himself fortunate to take baby steps in the industry under Khan’s guidance. “Some of the shots were challenging. No matter how long it takes, Kabir sir wants that perfect shot. He remains calm in stressful situations. He advised me on how to become a better actor.”
Currently studying in the 12th standard, the aspiring actor plans to shift base to Mumbai after appearing for his final exams. He knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but is certain that acting is his calling.
“It has been my passion since I was 11 years old. My parents have always supported my [choice]. My biggest inspiration has been Shah Rukh Khan. More than his acting, his struggles have inspired me to become an actor. Coming from Delhi with no Bollywood connections or contacts, the way he carved his name in the film industry is motivating.”
Kartik Aaryan shoots a special dance number with 50 background artistes at Film City for Chandu Champion
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Sources say Kartik Aaryan shot a special dance number with 50 background artistes at Film City for Chandu Champion
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 17, 2023)
Chandu Champion could well be Kartik Aaryan’s most demanding film. Only days ago, the actor shared how he filmed an eight-minute single-shot war sequence at Aru Valley in Jammu and Kashmir for Kabir Khan’s ambitious project. After the taxing Kashmir leg, it looks like the actor-director duo are seeking a change of pace with a lighter schedule.
Over the past week, Aaryan filmed a special dance number at Film City in Goregaon. The song has been choreographed by Bosco Martis.
“Studio 5 at Film City was blocked for four days for the shoot. The dance number sees Kartik shaking a leg with over 50 background dancers. Even though a dance track may sound at odds with the vein of the film, Kartik and Bosco have attempted something different here, making it a song that fits seamlessly in the narrative,” reveals a source.
Khan’s passion project, billed as “the true story of a man who refused to surrender”, celebrates the indomitable spirit of Murlikant Petkar, who was rendered paraplegic after sustaining injuries in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He then rose against the odds to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in 1972.
Kartik Aaryan shoots 8-minute-long single-shot war scene for Chandu Champion
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BOMBAY TIMES (October 12, 2023)
Chandu Champion marks three giants of the industry, Kartik Aaryan, Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, coming together for the true story of a man who refused to surrender. In the second schedule of this highly-anticipated sports drama directed by Kabir Khan, the team embarked on an ambitious endeavour – shooting a spectacular eight-minute-long single-shot war sequence at a breathtaking altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level. This scene promises to be a cinematic spectacle in the film headlined by Kartik Aaryan.
The highlight of this sequence in the movie was the filming of the 1965 battle at a scale, which is unprecedented for a single-shot action sequence. The location for this daring feat was the picturesque Aru Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, where a giant army camp set was built by the team.
The preparation for this epic war sequence involved five days of intensive rehearsals with Kartik, Vijay Raaz and Bhuvan Arora, ensuring that every detail was perfected. On the sixth day, the team executed the sequence flawlessly, capturing the essence of the dramatic wartime events.
Jointly produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion is all set for a grand release on June 14, 2024.
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