The best Bollywood sport movies

The entire nation awaits the release of the movie MS Dhoni : The Untold Story with bated breath. The rags to riches story of the cool, beloved and popular ‘Mahi’ appeals to every strata of the Indian society. Before the movie hits the theatres this Friday, the Sportsrush takes a look at the best Bollywood sport movies.

1. Lagaan

This epic Bollywood film wonderfully combined the oppressive colonial rule with the heartbeat of the nation : Cricket. It was among the biggest box office hits of 2001 and India’s official entrant for the Oscars. Moreover, it was ranked 55 in the Empire magazines “The 100 Best Films of World Cinema”.

The movie features a cricket match between the villagers and the ruling Britishers. A wonderful story ensues wherein the villagers put aside their differences and play to fight against stringent taxation laws. Moreover, a special mention ought to be given to the unique skillsets of the players and the way it is displayed on screen.

The very fact that the movie made a mark in the Oscars signifies its importance and hence will always be among the best Bollywood sport movies.

2. Chak de India

This 2007 Shah Rukh starrer created ripples in Bollywood. Consequently, it helped generate the much needed interest in the field of hockey, especially the falling standards of the women’s game.

The movie featured the story of a national womens hockey unit shunned by the administration and torn by internal strife. Kabir Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan), who is tormented by his past featuring an alleged match-fixing case, tries to rejuvenate this team. He fights all odds and helps the team to gel together and focus on the game.

This movie was widely appreciated for its moving display of a coach trying to redeem himself through the women’s hockey team. Notably, the scenes featuring the team gradually bonding together is a stuff of legend. Hence, this movie will definitely rank among the best Bollywood sport movies.

Also Read : MS Dhoni : The Untold story : Five things we can expect in the movie

3.  Iqbal

Iqbal features the story of a cricket-obsessed deaf and dumb boy who wanted to make a career in the game. Adding to his struggles is the fact that he is constantly discouraged by his father to pursue the sport as a career. A heart wrenching story ensues thereafter.

Iqbal is solely supported by his sister and coach Mohit (played by Naseeruddin Shah). After being thrown out from the local academy, he trains at the local yard where buffaloes act as fielders.

Soon after, he is given an opportunity in the Andhra Pradesh Ranji trophy team. Following some more ordeals, he finally cracks the jackpot and gets a spot in the Indian cricket team. Also, this movie contains a cameo by Indian cricketing legend Kapil Dev.

4. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

One of the biggest blockbusters of 2013, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was a fitting tribute to the greatest athlete India has ever produced. It has an exceptional potrayal of Milkha Singh by actor Farhan Akhtar with equally powerful performances from other members of the cast.

Directed by acclaimed director Rakeysh Omprakash Mishra, this movie became crossed the $1 billion mark. Additionally, the movie gives a vivid description of Milkha Singh’s journey and the way in which defeated the various obstacles in this path.

The songs of this movie were one of a kind and gives one the motivation to dream big and achieve more. It also features Sonam Kapoor in a cameo. One of the main highlights of the movie include the way Milkha bounces back from the 1956 Melbourne fiasco to create a world record at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

5. Mary Kom

Mary Kom is a wonderfully etched biopic of the prolific Indian boxer MC Mary Kom. She was brilliantly potrayed on the screen by Priyanka Chopra. Most importantly, the film depicts Mary’s journey of becoming a boxer to her victory at the 2008 World Boxing Championships.

Mary was continually subdued by the society for following a game like boxing. However, her husband and coach (played by Darshan Kumar and Sunil Thapa respectively) helped her overcome her ordeals immensely. This story has been shown magnificently by director Omung Kumar.

Mary Kom was the first Hindi film to be premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on the opening night. It also won the Best Popular Film honor at the 62nd National Film Awards. Therefore, this movie definitely ranks among the best Bollywood sport movies.

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• Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
• Chak de India
• Iqbal
• Lagaan
• M S Dhoni
• Mary Kom