Kartik Aaryan has reached a defining moment in his career by winning the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his powerful performance in Chandu Champion. The recognition marks his first National Award and places him among the country’s most celebrated actors. In a year that showcased exceptional performances across Indian cinema, Kartik’s portrayal of Paralympic legend Murlikant Petkar stood out for its emotional depth, physical commitment, and inspiring storytelling.
Adding even greater significance to the achievement, the Best Actor award was shared with Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, who was honoured for his critically acclaimed performance in the dark fantasy horror film Bramayugam. The joint recognition celebrates two actors from different generations and film industries, highlighting the diversity and richness of Indian cinema.
For Kartik Aaryan, the award is more than just another trophy—it is the realization of a dream he has spoken about throughout his career. Soon after the winners were announced, the actor shared an emotional note on Instagram, revealing that he was “still processing” the news. “Still processing… Some moments are simply bigger than words, and this is one of them. A dream I’ve carried for years has finally come true. Forever humbled, forever grateful… Best Actor National Award #ChanduChampion.”
His heartfelt message quickly went viral, with fans, fellow actors, filmmakers, and industry colleagues flooding social media with congratulatory messages. The response reflected not only the popularity of the actor but also the appreciation for the dedication he brought to the role.
Released in 2024, Chandu Champion tells the remarkable story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Directed and produced by Kabir Khan, the film chronicles Petkar’s inspiring journey from serving in the Indian Army to overcoming life-changing challenges and ultimately creating history in Paralympic swimming.
The role demanded immense physical and emotional preparation from Kartik. He underwent months of intensive training, transformed his physique, and worked extensively to authentically portray Petkar’s resilience, determination, and fighting spirit. Critics praised his sincere performance upon the film’s release, with many describing it as the finest work of his career. The National Award now serves as recognition of that extraordinary effort.
The shared Best Actor honour with Mammootty also underlines the growing inclusivity of the National Film Awards. While Kartik impressed audiences with a real-life sports drama rooted in hope and perseverance, Mammootty earned acclaim for his nuanced performance in the atmospheric horror drama Bramayugam. The two performances, though vastly different in genre and style, demonstrate the wide creative spectrum that Indian cinema continues to embrace.
The 72nd National Film Awards also celebrated excellence across various categories. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370, a film that secured three honours during the ceremony. Meanwhile, actor Allu Arjun extended congratulations to all the winners, acknowledging the achievements of artists from multiple regional film industries and reinforcing the spirit of unity within Indian cinema.
For Kartik Aaryan, this victory could mark a turning point in his professional journey. Having built his career through a mix of commercial entertainers and character-driven films, the National Award validates his evolution as a performer capable of delivering both box-office success and critically acclaimed performances.
More importantly, the success of Chandu Champion shines a spotlight on the inspiring life of Murlikant Petkar, ensuring that the story of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist reaches a wider audience. As Indian cinema continues to celebrate stories of courage, perseverance, and real-life heroes, Kartik Aaryan’s National Award stands as recognition not just of an outstanding performance, but also of the power of meaningful storytelling.
