Sumit Arora Discusses Biopic Challenges, Kabir Khan Reunion

Renowned screenwriter Sumit Arora, celebrated for iconic dialogues in films like “Jawan,” “Stree,” and “The Family Man,” recently opened up about his latest project, “Chandu Champion.” This biopic on India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar marks Arora’s reunion with filmmaker Kabir Khan, with whom he previously collaborated on the acclaimed film “83.”

Challenges of Adapting Real-Life Stories

Adapting real-life stories poses unique challenges, a fact Arora acknowledges deeply. Unlike fictional characters, real-life adaptations require adherence to the lived experiences of the individuals being portrayed. “With Kapil Dev, you know how the person talks, walks, and behaves. But for ‘Chandu Champion,’ it was challenging since Petkar was hardly in the public eye,” Arora shared in an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times. Despite the freedom to depict Petkar’s character, Arora emphasized the importance of remaining true to the real person’s story and sentiments. “You have to be mindful that the person does not feel their life story has been completely masalafied,” he noted.

Working on “Chandu Champion” alongside Kabir Khan was a fulfilling experience for Arora. Their partnership, which began during the screening of “Stree,” blossomed into a professional collaboration with “83.” Arora praised Khan as a “lovely person, a great filmmaker, and an amazing soul to work with.” Their shared commitment to telling impactful stories continues to drive their creative synergy.

Kartik Aaryan’s Transformative Role

Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Murlikant Petkar in “Chandu Champion” marks a significant departure from his usual comedic roles. Arora highlighted Aaryan’s dedication and hunger for this challenging role, stating, “He stepped into uncharted territory and delivered a performance of a lifetime.” Aaryan’s transformation and commitment to embodying the character brought Arora’s script to life in a powerful way, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Sumit Arora’s journey from the small screen to the silver screen showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling. His work with industry giants like Zoya Akhtar, Raj & DK, and Atlee, along with his upcoming projects, including “The Family Man 3” and “Citadel’s” Hindi remake, underscores his status as an acclaimed writer. Despite his achievements, Arora believes there is still progress to be made in recognizing and respecting screenwriters in the cinematic landscape. His aspiration to work with directors like SS Rajamouli and Mani Ratnam and his desire to explore the romance genre reflect his relentless pursuit of artistic growth.