Source: Spill Your Thoughts
Without a question, Bollywood and sports are India's most popular industries. And when they both come together, nothing less than a classic film for people of all ages should be expected. Bollywood has offered us a lot of 'must watch' movies, whether it is a story about an underdog's success, a biography on a great sports player, or a forgotten hero. These films provide us with a burst of motivation and inspiration. Here are ten Bollywood sports movies that will inspire you to achieve just about anything. Who said cinema isn't rewarding?
1. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Source: Hotstar
When it comes to sports dramas, it rains biopics in Bollywood, and here’s another one of probably one of the most loved cricketers of India – World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
It is no secret that Dhoni has one of the biggest fan followings in the country. His skill at the game is certainly exceptional but you have to commend the celebrated sportsperson for his determination, grit and the 'never give up attitude'. So, here’s Sushant Singh Rajput who brought the former captain’s untold story on screen.
Rajput was highly lauded for his performance and there’s no doubt that he absorbed Dhoni and his smallest of the small mannerisms to the fullest. The movie is a treat for those who want to relive the best moments of Indian cricket.
2. Chak De India
Source: Yash Raj Films
Chak De India is not just hailed as India's best sports film to date but also career-defining for the actor, Shah Rukh Khan. The film brilliantly showcases that if you are willing to work hard, even the odds against you will turn in your favor just as they did for the Indian Women Hockey Team and resulting in their glorious win at The World Cup. The movie is a must-watch to witness women's empowerment, their challenges in a male-dominated society, and tons of entertainment and nerve-tickling matches.
3. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Source: Hotstar
Milkha Singh, India's most famous track and field athlete, is the subject of yet another biopic. The film is based on Race of My Life, the Flying Sikh's biography, and tells the story of Singh's extraordinary journey from an orphan to one of the country's top athletes.
Farhan Akhtar plays a world champion and Olympian, and he skillfully imbues the character with spirit. This movie is a true story of Milkha Singh, who overcame the massacre of his family, homelessness, and civil war during the India-Pakistan partition to become the greatest of all time.
4. Lagaan
Source: IMDb.com
Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is still remembered nearly two decades after its release.
The film, which is one of Hindi cinema's finest underdog stories, will not only impart the values and pride of being an Indian but will also educate you that if you have set your mind to achieve something, you must persevere through the difficulties to taste that sweet, sweet success.
5. Mary Kom
Source: Koimoi.com
The story of India's most famous female boxer, Mary Kom, is a wonderful one. The film narrates the story of how a rice farmer's daughter from Manipur became a five-time world champion. It's a story of perseverance, desire, and as Mary's instructor puts it, "hamesha whole surrender to boxing,".
6. Kai Po Che
Source: YouTube.com
Kai Po Che, starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Saad, and Rajkumar Rao and based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Three Mistakes of My Life, is a film that transcends the sports drama genre.
The story follows three buddies who decide to open their cricket academy to train aspiring players. However, they confront hurdles in the aftermath of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001 and the Godhra riots in 2002, which changed their way of looking at things. The Abhishek Kapoor directorial can be found on Netflix.
7. Paan Singh Tomar
Source: YouTube.com
The movie that won two national awards for the best feature film and best actor features Irrfan Khan in the lead role playing Paan Singh Tomar. He was an Indian Army soldier who dazzled his seniors with his athletic abilities and went on to win gold medals at the Indian National Games seven times in a row.
However, the story twist intensifies when his mother is murdered and he becomes a dacoit after witnessing the police's inactivity. Tomar sprints over obstacles with ease and murders robbers who have robbed him.
Even after all of these heinous murders, when he meets his unavoidable end and his bullet-riddled body crashes into the dusty earth, there is something about him that remains.
The movie is one of the films which started the culture of biopics in Bollywood.
8. Dangal
Source: Koimoi.com
Dangal is a film about a former wrestler who intends to fulfill his ambition of winning a gold medal for his country by teaching his children how to fight their way through social stigmas and moving on to win the Commonwealth Games.
The fact that he hoped to have a boy child to realize his ambition but ended up with four daughters adds to the film's appeal in terms of breaking down stereotypes and sending a message that family is always by your side in your hard work.
The film is a must-see if you're looking for some gritty, larger-than-life entertainment.
9. Iqbal
Source: IMDb.com
The story of a cricket-crazy deaf and mute youngster from a distant town in India is told in Iqbal, a national film award winner starring Shreyas Talpade and Naseeruddin Shah.
This rags to riches story depicts a disabled boy's determination to overcome all obstacles to become a cricketer and one day play for the Indian national team.
This film depicts how the road to your dreams is never easy, but it is always worthwhile.
10. Sultan
Source: YouTube.com
Sultan, starring Salman Khan, is a true sports drama that demands your complete attention. What sets Sultan apart from other sports films is that it is centered on a love tale rather than another underdog triumph. Sultan only decides to become a wrestler after falling in love with one. Aarfa has won the state championship. He needs to be more than the village jester in their Haryanvi community to match her. He is a natural at the sport, but his success comes with a deep trauma that causes their relationship to fall apart. This film will show you how to deal with your achievement while maintaining your personal life.
Conclusion
Sports movies are packed with action and drama, but the best thing is that they are also motivational. There will be many barriers on your road in athletics, just as there will be in life. However, with effort and drive, we may overcome these challenges and triumph. So, which movie are you gonna watch next?
Anshika Bansal
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