Kartik Aaryan's Knockout Performance In 'Chandu Champion'

Kartik Aaryan packs a punch with his go-for-gold performance in Kabir Khan's "Chandu Champion." The actors' biggest gamble may have just paid off. But he thinks he is far from a champion in real life.

"The day I start thinking I am a champion, mera us din pack-up hojayega (it would be packed up for me). The challenges and goals I set for myself keep evolving and changing. I can't be stagnant or complacent. I want to keep doing new things and pushing myself towards new avenues, so there is a constant thrill and excitement towards what I am doing."

Kabir Khan's Chandu Champion, inspired by the life and times of India's pioneering Paralympic champion, Murlikant Petkar, has struck the right chord with the audience as well as critics for its evocative storytelling and performances. For Kartik Aaryan, it was also his biggest gamble, as he devoted two years to solely focusing on the film and its preparation. From his remarkable physical transformation, which saw him build lean muscle, to learning boxing, swimming, and wrestling, the actor says it was back to the basics for him.

"I have never played a character like this, nor have I been part of a narrative like this. It was all new, the physical training apart, which was a first for me too. It was as if in one film I had to confront my physical, mental, and emotional strengths and weaknesses. Neither have I ever dedicated myself to one project for two years, since I do two films at least a year. Though it was overwhelming at first, since I didn't want to leave any room for error, working with Kabir Khan was magical. His attention to detail and the process of filming the sequences just alleviated whatever reservations I may have had about myself."

The classic underdog story and the film's premise also hit home. Kartik Aaryan, who recently completed 13 years in the industry, had been candid about his struggles as well as the difficulties in navigating Bollywood.

"Though what I went through is nothing in comparison to what Petkarji had to surmount, But I related to the film's tagline of a man who refused to surrender, since that is something I adhere to. So at a parallel level, I felt my journey was in sync with the film."

Kartik's breakthrough in the industry came with Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. But there were hits such as Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni aur Woh, and the blockbuster Bhool Bhuliyan 2, which elevated his star status. His popularity quotient, notched up by his boy-next-door attitude and personality, made him a favorite amongst the public. As the audience becomes way more discerning towards the kind of content they want to consume and the actors they resonate with, Kartik is candid when he says word of mouth is the best publicity tool.

"I feel the audience is going by their instincts, and word of mouth is gathering momentum. There are too many platforms now, and it is not easy to make everyone happy. People are bound to have their opinions, which one needs to respect. But I feel public discourse and their point of view are what are important and should never be ignored. After all, they are the ones who decide what and whom they want to see. It was word of mouth, which also helped me in my career. I feel the personal communication from the public at large is the biggest validation, and I also feel it will play an important role for "Chandu Champion" as well."

As a crop of new faces makes their way to the marquee, what is noticeable is that most of them are outsiders who would have otherwise gone unnoticed had it not been for OTT, as well as mid-budget films like Laapata Ladies and Manjummel Boys, which are the current box office favorites.

"Yes, I do feel validated and see so many talented new actors being noticed. I always tell them never to compromise on their self-belief, even though their external reality may compel them to do so, and never to emulate or imitate anyone. This is a leaf from my own life. There is a thin line between overconfidence and being real; it's important to strike a balance."

As Chandu Champion sets the cash registers ringing, the actor's next is the much-awaited Bhool Bhuliayan 3 with Tripti Dimri and Vidya Balan.

"The film will give the audience what they are expecting as well as something way beyond their expectations this Diwali. I have enjoyed working on it."

With the grapevine abuzz that he is all set to reprise Salman Khan's popular "Prem" in Suraj Barjatiya's next, the actor says he cannot comment on the same, as he gets set to claim 2024 as his year at the movies.