Chandu Champion is not without its flaws; the pacing in the second half can occasionally feel uneven, and the climax, while triumphant, is predictable given the genre. However, these are minor quibbles in a film that wears its heart on its sleeve. Kabir Khan succeeds in crafting a tribute that is respectful without being hagiographic, and Kartik Aaryan proves his mettle as a serious actor capable of carrying a heavy dramatic load.

Kartik Aaryan underwent a 3-year transformation for this role. He went from a lean physique ( Pyaar Ka Punchnama ) to a muscular boxer, and then drastically dropped weight to look like a disabled athlete. This isn't just makeup; it is method acting. Critics are already calling for a National Award nomination.