In India, cricket dominates as a symbol of national pride, often overshadowing athletes from other sports, including Paralympians. Cricket enjoys massive fan support and extensive media coverage, while Paralympic sports receive little attention or support. This recognition gap is due to factors like inadequate marketing, poor infrastructure, and societal preferences for able-bodied sports. Without a concerted effort to shift focus, Paralympic athletes like Devendra Jhajharia and Sharad Rao will continue to be overlooked. Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, a silver medallist in the F42 high jump at the 2012 Paralympics, highlighted this issue in an interview with The New Indian Express. He noted that despite their successes, para-athletes receive far less corporate support and recognition than able-bodied athletes. Unlike sports stars such as Saina Nehwal, Abhinav Bindra, and PV Sindhu, para-athletes lack sponsorships and are even ineligible for the Khel Ratna award. ‘Until we are taken seriously, we will always be seen as the poorer cousins of the Olympians’, Girisha remarked.

The film also addresses the systemic issues that hinder India's Olympic performance, such as limited government support, inadequate infrastructure for sports, and societal attitudes that prioritize able-bodied sports. Petkar's struggle for recognition, culminating in his eventual receipt of the Padma Shri in 2018, serves as a powerful commentary on the need for greater support and acknowledgment of Paralympic athletes.

Kartik Aaryan's portrayal of Petkar is both heartfelt and compelling, capturing the essence of a man whose indomitable spirit overcame immense adversity. The film's emotionally charged scenes are complemented by a versatile soundtrack composed by Pritam, with energetic and emotional tracks that have topped music charts.

‘Chandu Champion’ is a poignant tribute to Muralikant Petkar's extraordinary life. It celebrates his perseverance and serves as a reminder of the forgotten heroes whose stories deserve to be told. The film stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the need for greater recognition of all athletes, regardless of the challenges they face.

Smt. Parbati Barua