Bollywood’s best sporting successes

THIS week sees the release of sporting drama Soorma, which revolves around the inspirational story of legend­ary hockey player Sandeep Singh, who made a remarka­ble comeback after a gunshot left him paralysed. This isn’t the first time Bollywood has delivered an uplifting sports drama, and with that in mind Eastern Eye select­ed 10 winning efforts...

Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992): The classic drama star­ring Aamir Khan revolves around a carefree youngster who must step up for a cycle race. The film was so good that it inspired a Bengali, Telugu and Tamil version. It also had the legendary song Pehla Nasha and won a Filmfare award for Best Film.

Lagaan (2001): One of only two commercial Bollywood films to be nominated for an Oscar is a stunning 19th century drama set during the British Raj. Aamir Khan plays the lead role in the story of villagers that take on a British army team in a heart-pumping game or cricket.

Iqbal (2005): The up­lifting drama revolves around a deaf and mute farmer’s son who battles against the odds to play for the In­dian cricket team, un­der the guidance of an alcoholic ex-player. Naseeruddin Shah and Shreyas Talpade deliv­er stand out performances in the award-winning film.

Chak De India (2007): The story of a disgraced player who redeems himself by coach­ing the Indian wom­en’s hockey team to a World Cup win won hearts of audiences. Shah Rukh Khan plays the team coach and delivers one of the all-time great speeches to rouse the team. The title track would become an iconic sports anthem.

Paan Singh Tomar (2012): Irrfan Khan is outstanding in the true-life tale of an Indian soldier who won a gold medal as an athlete, but was forced by circumstances to turn into a dacoit. It would later win a number of hon­ours including a prestigious National Award for Best Feature Film.

Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012): The comedy drama revolves around a devoted father who will do whatever it takes to help his young son realise a cricketing team, in­cluding stealing Sachin Tendulkar’s Ferrari. Apart from having a cricket theme and great comedy, it is also one of the finest father-son films ever made in Bollywood.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013): Farhan Akhtar played the lead role in the biopic of legendary athlete Milkha Sin­gh, from a haunting childhood to representing his coun­try. The multi-award winning film swept the boards at all the major Bollywood ceremonies and had many in­spirational scenes.

Mary Kom (2014): Priyanka Chopra played the title role in the biopic of the champion Indian box­er. The multi-award winning movie is per­haps the greatest box­ing film ever made in Indian cinema.

Dangal (2016): The highest grossing Bolly­wood film in history smashed all records when it was released. Based on true-life events, the story re­volves around an ex-wrestler who coaches his daughter to gold medal-winning glory. The girl power movie is one of the great fa­ther-daughter films ever made.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016): Sushant Singh Rajput plays the lead role in the award-winning biopic of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, from a sim­ple beginning to representing his country. The critical and commercial success clocked up big numbers at the box office, and delighted all cricket fans.