Filmmaker Karan Johar has heaped praise on Kartik Aaryan for his portrayal of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion, calling it the actor’s ‘career-best performance’.

Karan shared a poster of Chandu Champion on his Instagram story on Friday and penned a note appreciating Kartik and Kabir. “Solid… Supreme… @kabirkhankk directs this brave and inspiring life tale like a love letter to the human spirit! @kartikaaryan gives his career best performance with a humane and honest portrayal!... A must watch,” the Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani director wrote alongside the film poster.

Actors such as Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, and Sharvari Wagh have also praised Kartik Aaryan for his portrayal of Petkar. “Kabirrrrrrrr just loved the film, you are such a beautiful storyteller, you brought such an incredible story to life, was so emotional to see this story and how beautifully you have made this film.. and such a outstanding performance by @kartikaaryan,” wrote Katrina on her Instagram story.

Chandu Champion is a biographical drama based on the life of India's first Paralympic champion, Murlikant Petkar, who represented India at the Olympic Games and won an individual gold medal in the 1972 Summer Paralympics. The film portrays his struggles and triumphs, from his journey as a boxer in the Indian Army to his achievements as a Paralympian swimmer. The film also stars Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, Rajpal Yadav and Bhuvan Arora.

After a lukewarm response on opening day, the sports drama saw a significant boost at the box office over its first weekend and remained stable during the weekdays, ending its first week in theaters with a domestic box-office collection of Rs 39.62 crore nett, according to trade figures.

Kartik is currently shooting for his upcoming horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which also stars Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan.