Kartik Aaryan has resumed shooting for his upcoming drama Captain India in London, shortly after receiving the National Award for Best Actor for Chandu Champion. The actor's achievement was celebrated by the Captain India team as he returned to the film's ongoing London schedule.
The National Award ceremony took place in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, where Aaryan received the Best Actor honour for his portrayal of Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion.
How did the Captain India team celebrate Kartik Aaryan's National Award?
The Captain India team celebrated Aaryan's National Award win when he returned to the London set, according to IANS.
The recognition comes during an important stage of the film's production, with the project currently being filmed in London. The principal photography began there earlier in September.
Why was Kartik Aaryan in London?
Aaryan is currently shooting Captain India, directed by filmmaker Shimit Amin.
The London schedule began on September 1, 2026, with reports indicating that filming is expected to continue through the end of October.
Aaryan had earlier shared glimpses of his journey to London, including a photograph in which he was seen holding the shooting draft of Captain India.
What is Captain India about?
Captain India is an upcoming drama inspired by real events involving the evacuation of Indian citizens from a war-torn country.
Aaryan is set to play the central character, with reports describing the film as an aviation and rescue drama. The project is being directed by Shimit Amin, known for films including Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.
The film has gone through changes during its development. It was originally announced several years ago with Hansal Mehta attached as director, but the current version is being helmed by Amin.
What National Award did Kartik Aaryan win?
Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance in Chandu Champion.
He shared the Best Actor honour with Malayalam actor Mammootty, who was recognised for Bramayugam.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat.
What did Kartik Aaryan say about his National Award?
Following the win, Aaryan reflected publicly on his journey and described the honour as a major milestone.
He also dedicated the recognition to Paralympians and people pursuing difficult dreams, according to his post and subsequent coverage.
The award came for his portrayal of Murlikant Petkar, the Indian Paralympic gold medallist whose life formed the basis of Chandu Champion.
Who is directing Captain India?
Shimit Amin is directing Captain India.
Amin is best known for films such as Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year. Captain India marks his return to feature filmmaking after an extended gap.
Kartik Aaryan has also shared a first look from the film, showing himself in a uniform and teasing his character ahead of the London schedule.
When is Captain India expected to release?
Reports currently point to an August 13, 2027 theatrical release, although this should be treated as the reported target rather than a release date confirmed through an official studio announcement.
What comes next for Kartik Aaryan?
After Chandu Champion and his National Award recognition, Aaryan has several projects in his upcoming film slate.
His immediate work includes Captain India, while Naagzilla and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 have also been reported among his upcoming projects.
The London schedule of Captain India puts the actor in production on a project that represents a different genre and scale from some of his recent releases.
Q&A: Kartik Aaryan and Captain India
Why is Kartik Aaryan in London?
He is in London shooting for his upcoming film Captain India, directed by Shimit Amin.
Which National Award did Kartik Aaryan win?
He won the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance as Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion. He shared the honour with Mammootty.
Who is directing Captain India?
The film is directed by Shimit Amin, known for Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.
What is Captain India about?
The film is an upcoming drama inspired by India's real-life evacuation of citizens from a war-torn country, with Kartik Aaryan in the lead role.
Our Take
Kartik Aaryan's National Award win comes at an interesting point in the production of Captain India. Rather than pausing after the major career milestone, the actor has returned to work on a film that places him in a very different setting, with Shimit Amin directing and the London schedule already underway.
The immediate focus now shifts from the recognition for Chandu Champion to how Captain India develops as filming continues.