President Droupadi Murmu presented the award, praising his take on Paralympic pioneer Murlikant Petkar, as Mammootty shared the top acting honour.
Kartik Aaryan walked onto the stage at the 72nd National Film Awards and was handed the Best Actor trophy for Chandu Champion. The ceremony, held in Delhi, saw President Droupadi Murmu step forward to hand over the honour. She singled out the actor’s depiction of Paralympic pioneer Murlikant Petkar, noting how the film brings a soldier‑turned‑athlete’s story to a wider audience.
Bollywood Hungama reported that the President highlighted Petkar’s journey from a 1965 war injury to winning India’s first Paralympic gold in 1972. She called biopics of such figures a "highly commendable effort" and congratulated Aaryan for embodying the champion’s grit.
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion traces Petkar’s life from his early days in the army to his historic swim at the 1972 Paralympics. Aaryan, who shed weight and trained in the pool for authenticity, shares screen space with Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma and Rajpal Yadav. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Kabir Khan and Firuzi Khan, hit theatres on June 14, 2024.
The award marks Aaryan’s first national‑level acting accolade. Until now his career has been defined by commercial comedies and romantic leads. This win could signal a shift toward more serious, character‑driven projects for the star. Industry insiders say the recognition may also boost the film’s re‑run prospects, especially in regional circuits that cherish sports biopics.
Mammootty, the Malayalam stalwart, walked away with the same top‑acting prize for his work in Bramayugam, making the night a dual celebration of Hindi and Malayalam talent. The 72nd edition also crowned Article 370 as Best Feature Film and handed Yami Gautam the Best Actress award for the same movie.
While the accolade shines a spotlight on Aaryan’s transformation, the film itself has sparked conversations about representation of differently‑abled athletes on screen. Critics have praised the realistic training sequences but some argue the screenplay leans on familiar tropes. Regardless, the President’s endorsement adds a layer of official approval that could encourage more biographical ventures.
As the curtain fell on the ceremony, Aaryan thanked his co‑actors, the director and the late Murlikant Petkar’s family for their support. He hinted at future collaborations with Kabir Khan, leaving fans to wonder what next chapter this newfound critical respect will write for him.
The next big date on the calendar is the upcoming Filmfare Awards, where Chandu Champion is expected to be a strong contender in several categories. Whether the momentum from the National Awards translates into further wins remains to be seen.
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