Bollywood movies are known for gripping audiences with their thrilling stories, screenplay, and some sensational performances from actors. In India, sports also grabs and holds a large number of viewers
with its phenomenal action. When these two renowned sectors come together through sports movies, the excitement level among viewers reaches its peak. Sometimes, these films also encourage children to adopt sports. Youngsters also learn patience, perseverance, and diligence to succeed in their field. In the 21st century, Bollywood has delivered some movies which have captured a lot of attention in the nation. On the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, SportTiger is remembering five sports films from Bollywood that received a lot of love and respect from viewers.
Here are five sports films that captured the nation’s spirit:
5. 83 (2001)
In December 2021, '83' hit the theatres and received positive reviews from audiences. The movie was directed and co-produced by Kabir Khan. Ranveer Singh played the main role while Pankaj Tripathi, Ammy Virk, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Ammy Virk, and Jatin Sarna also played pivotal parts in the film. The film was based on Team India’s famous maiden World Cup victory in 1983 under Kapil Dev’s captaincy. The movie refreshed the memories of people who witnessed India pulling off the scintillating success.
4. Iqbal (2005)
Shreyas Talpade-starrer 'Iqbal', released in 2005, can be called one of the most underrated sports movies in the history of Bollywood. The story revolves around Iqbal, a deaf-and-dumb boy. Despite his father’s aversion towards his dream of becoming a bowler for India in international cricket, he accomplished his aim through the guidance of his coach, who is played by Naseeruddin Shah. The movie gives a message to people that any person can pull off his /her dream through dedication despite hurdles.
3. Dangal (2016)
'Dangal', released in 2016, was another excellent movie that became a household name in India. Aamir Khan plays the role of famous former wrestler Mahaveer Phogat, who makes his two eldest daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat wrestlers despite opposition from village folks who believed girls shouldn’t be encouraged to play sports. Eventually, both girls not only help their father defy the extreme rules of the society but also succeed in becoming successful athletes.
Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra play Geeta and Babita respectively. The movie received immense love from their fans and became the highest-grossing film of 2016.
2. Chak De! India (2007)
In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Chak De! India' attracted a lot of sports lovers to theatres. The movie was on Kabir Khan’s difficult journey to make India women’s hockey team as World Cup champions. At the start of the film, Shah Rukh’s character as Kabir goes through trauma of being a person who faced match-fixing allegations during the World Cup final against Pakistan. Despite the tarnished image, Kabir returned to hockey and helped the women’s side to achieve what no one thought about.
1. Lagaan (2001)
In 2001, Ashutosh Gowarikar-directed 'Lagaan' received several accolades for its impressive success. The movie was based on villagers who are suppressed by the British Empire through the land tax. A young boy named Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan), is thrown a challenge by Captain Andrew Russell (Paul Blackthrone) to win a cricket match against the latter’s team and get the three-year land tax waived off.
Through Russell’s sister Elizabeth, Bhuvan’s team learns the game but during the three-day match, several ups and downs happen. Eventually, Bhuvan’s team wins the thrilling match and succeeds in evading tax burden on villagers. Lagaan was also nominated for Oscar 2002 in the Foreign Language Film category but lost to the Bosnian movie, "No Man's Land."
