Listen to Story Kabir Khan's film 'Chandu Champion' is set for release on June 14. In an exclusive chat with IndiaToday.in, the filmmaker spoke about the film and why he chose Kartik Aaryan for the intense role.
The sports biopic is based on Paralympic gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar. Calling it a 'compelling underdog story', Kabir feels that it would be 'criminal to not celebrate' the sports icon. Excerpts from the conversation: Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medallist , is a true national hero.
What inspired you to tell his story on the big screen? Sometimes we don't choose stories, the stories choose us. This is such a fabulous story. And I consider myself so fortunate that it came to me because it's just one of those most compelling underdog stories that you've ever heard.
We tend to sometimes segment our stories - this is a sports story, this is a drama story. Actually, it's an amazing story of a man who refused to give up and when you read it, you feel so inspired and motivated. I felt that this story has to be told to this country because it's a hero that we've completely forgotten.
And when you see the film, you realise what all this person achieved and how he achieved it - it would be criminal if you did not celebrate him. So, did you meet him in person for the film? Fortunately, I was able to meet Mr Murlikant Petkar. I spent some time with him understanding the entire story because, as I said, he's a forgotten hero.
Also, there's not much document.
