Kartik Aaryan received his first National Film Award for his performance in Chandu Champion at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026. Kartik Aaryan was honoured in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category for Chandu Champion. He shared the award with Mammootty, who received the same honour for his performance in Bramayugam. President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Film Awards at the ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The 72nd National Film Awards recognise films and performances from 2024. Kartik Aaryan also shared a picture with his parents after receiving the award and referred to them as his “world” for the moment. Chandu Champion earned Kartik Aaryan the National Film Award for his performance in the film.