How Chandu Champion earned Kartik Aaryan his first National Film Award?
Kartik Aaryan has won his first National Film Award for Chandu Champion. Read about his inspiring journey from an outsider to a Bollywood star, the true story behind the film based on Murlikant Petkar, its audience reception, and the complete list of major winners at the 72nd National Film Awards.
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced in July 2026, brought one of the biggest moments of Kartik Aaryan's career. The actor won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Chandu Champion, sharing the honour with Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who was recognised for Bramayugam. It is Kartik's first National Film Award and a milestone that reflects years of hard work, patience, and determination. The achievement was not just another award it was a recognition of Kartik's remarkable transformation as an actor and his dedication to meaningful cinema.
From an Outsider to Bollywood's Biggest StarsKartik Aaryan's journey is one of determination and patience. Born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, into a family of doctors, acting was never the obvious career choice for him. He moved to Mumbai to study engineering but secretly attended film auditions while balancing college life.
His breakthrough came in 2011 with Pyaar Ka Punchnama. The film became popular, and Kartik's long monologue turned him into an overnight sensation. However, success did not come easily after that. Several of his films received mixed responses, and being an outsider in Bollywood meant he had to work harder than many of his contemporaries.
Instead of giving up, Kartik continued to experiment with different roles. Films like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 established him as one of the most bankable young stars in Hindi cinema. Yet, despite commercial success, many believed he was still waiting for a role that would showcase his true acting potential.
Turning PointKartik Aaryan's biggest career breakthrough came with the 2018 hit film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Although he made his Bollywood debut in 2011 with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, it was this blockbuster that changed his career completely. The film made him a popular name across the country and proved that he could deliver successful films. After its success, Kartik established himself as one of Bollywood's most promising young actors.
After this, there was no stopping for the actor, for the film Chandu Champion, he underwent an incredible physical transformation, trained extensively, and prepared for months to portray the life of a real-life sports hero.
Unlike his earlier romantic and comedy roles, Chandu Champion required emotional depth, discipline, and intense physical commitment. Kartik lost weight, built athletic endurance, and trained in multiple sports to bring authenticity to the character. His dedication was widely praised by audiences and critics alike.
The film became the biggest turning point of his acting career and eventually earned him his first National Award.
What Is Chandu Champion About?Chandu Champion is based on the inspiring life of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medallist. Petkar won the gold medal in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics after surviving severe injuries sustained during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
The film follows his extraordinary journey from a determined young man with big dreams to a soldier whose life changes forever after the war. Despite suffering life-altering injuries, Petkar refuses to accept defeat. His resilience, determination, and fighting spirit help him rewrite history by becoming a Paralympic champion.
Rather than being just a sports drama, Chandu Champion celebrates courage, perseverance, and the belief that no obstacle is too big when one refuses to give up.
How the Film Was Received?When Chandu Champion released in 2024, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Viewers appreciated the film's emotional storytelling, Kabir Khan's direction, and Kartik Aaryan's career-best performance.
Many praised Kartik for completely transforming himself into the character instead of relying on his established screen image. His emotional scenes, physical dedication, and convincing portrayal of Murlikant Petkar were widely appreciated across the country.
The film also helped introduce many people to the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, whose achievements had not received the recognition they truly deserved for decades.
Awards and Recognition for Chandu ChampionEven before receiving the National Award, Kartik Aaryan's performance in Chandu Champion had earned widespread appreciation during the awards season. He won several Best Actor honours from popular film award platforms, with critics consistently calling the performance one of the finest of his career.
The biggest recognition, however, came with the 72nd National Film Award for Best Actor, considered India's highest honour in cinema. Sharing the award with Mammootty further highlighted the exceptional performances celebrated that year.
Highlights of the 72nd National Film AwardsThe 72nd National Film Awards, announced in July 2026 for films certified in 2024, celebrated some of the finest achievements in Indian cinema.
Some of the major winners included:Best Feature Film: Article 370
Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)
Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
The awards reflected the growing appreciation for films that combine strong storytelling with impactful performances.
Chandu Champion not only gave Kartik his most celebrated performance but also brought the extraordinary story of Murlikant Petkar to millions of viewers. As Kartik continues to take on more challenging roles, this National Award will remain a defining chapter in his journey a moment when years of hard work, belief, and determination finally received the country's highest cinematic honour.