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.
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