Although Bollywood is known for its fictional, dramatic masala movies, there is another genre that Bollywood has been getting right for quite some time now. As Hindi cinema finds a more progressive outlook, biopics about famous Indian personalities inspire and educate many of us. Be it Hrithik Roshan portraying Anand Kumar, a teacher who teaches underprivileged students to crack IIT entrance exams to Randeep Hooda in Sarabjit, showcasing the torture that a simple Indian man met at the hands of Pakistani soldiers. Biopics help bring a piece of history to the centre stage and celebrate the life of an Indian hero/heroine. Within biopics, many films are made about iconic Indian sportspersons who break records and make our nation proud internationally.
Here are five Indian Sports Biopics you should watch:
Mary Kom
Mary Kom is a movie that tells the story of Chungneijang Mery Kom Hmangte and her fight to win the 2008 World Boxing Championship. Mary Kom is a young girl who developed a passion for boxing at a young age. Despite her father’s initial disapproval, she fought hard to follow her dreams and convinced a coach to teach her. She was a mother and a wife, but most importantly, she was a sportsperson representing her nation. Played by Priyanka Chopra, the film focused on her struggles and the racism at the hands of her countrymen. It is an impactful story of women empowerment that teaches all women to be strong and follow their passion no matter what.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ of India, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the story of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete. From witnessing the horrors of the India-Pakistan partition in 1947 to becoming a Four-time Asian Games gold medalist, Milkha Singh’s life has been a celebration of his strength, vigour and passion. He has inspired many and will always be remembered for his achievements and kind nature. Played by Farhan Akhtar in the film, Farhan left no stone unturned to prepare for the role and performance of a lifetime. The movie is a masterpiece you should watch if you haven’t already.
M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Who doesn’t know captain cool? Captain of India’s national cricket team, under whose captainship India won the World Cup 2011. Sushant Singh Rajput perfectly emulated the sportsperson’s sincere, calm and composed nature. The movie is a heartwarming ride that will make you respect the cricketer that has won the hearts of Indians repeatedly.
Dangal
Dangal is a story about a father who believed in his daughters and trained them to become gold medal winners. Mahavir Singh Phogat was a wrestler in his own time, and he dreamed that his son would become a gold medalist someday. After having four daughters, he instead teaches and trains his daughters. In a time when wrestling was majorly a male-dominated sport, everyone laughed and demotivated the Phogat family. Despite all the comments, he did what he believed in and is a true sports icon for India. Bollywood veteran superstar Amir Khan plays the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat in the movie.
Chak de! India
Chak de! India was a film that emerged when the nation was obsessed with cricket. The movie’s patriotic scenes and music quickly won our hearts and are now a classic of Indian cinema. Shahrukh Khan plays the role of a hockey player turned coach who coaches the Indian women’s hockey team. From rowdy girls who nobody believes in gold medalists and champions. The movie is a subtle dialogue on internalised misogyny, casual sexism and politics in sports. Watch Chal de! India again and relive the passion and anxiety of a crazy sports journey filled with laughter, strength and empowerment.
