Overview
- The 72nd National Film Awards named Kartik Aaryan Best Actor for Chandu Champion, an honour he shares with Malayalam star Mammootty, and this prize marks Aaryan’s first National Film Award.
- The winners of the 72nd awards were announced on July 18, 2026, and coverage since has focused on the award as a major career milestone for Aaryan and a win for the film’s team.
- Murlikant Petkar, whose life inspired the biopic, posted a joint social-media congratulations and told reporters the recognition made him feel that the film’s message reached a new generation.
- Days after the announcement, Kartik visited Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple with his parents, shared photos from the visit on Instagram, and described the moment as a long-held dream coming true.
- Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, drew attention to Petkar’s story after its 2024 release and required Aaryan to undergo major physical transformation and training for the role.