Dhoni To Dangal: 10 Biopics Made On Indian Sports Personalities
Bollywood, the vibrant Indian film industry, has always had a penchant for creating captivating stories that inspire and entertain audiences across the globe. In recent years, biographical films, or biopics, have gained significant popularity, providing a glimpse into the extraordinary lives of real-life individuals who have made their mark in various fields. One such genre that has captured the imagination of both filmmakers and audiences alike is the biopics on sportspersons. These cinematic masterpieces not only celebrate the triumphs and struggles of legendary athletes but also shed light on their personal journeys, showcasing the determination, passion, and sacrifices that have propelled them to greatness. From cricket and boxing to hockey and athletics, Bollywood has dived into the lives of numerous sports icons, bringing their stories to the silver screen with remarkable performances and compelling narratives. In this article, we present to you the top 10 biopics on sports persons from Bollywood. These films have not only captivated audiences with their engaging storytelling but have also left an indelible impact, inspiring generations and creating a newfound admiration for the sports and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to it. Here is the list of 10 biopics on Indian Athletes from Bollywood.
1. MS Dhoni – The Untold Story
The film depicts the life of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, played by Sushant Singh Rajput. The movie showcases Dhoni’s journey from a small-town boy in Ranchi to becoming the World cup winning captain of India. It explores Dhoni’s early struggles, his determination, and his unyielding passion for cricket. It highlights Dhoni’s unconventional and bold decision to focus on limited-overs cricket, leading to India’s victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. It showcases the emotional and inspiring story of Dhoni’s bond with his friends, family, and teammates. The film features remarkable performances by Sushant Singh Rajput, who effectively portrays Dhoni’s mannerisms and cricketing style. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, winning several awards and leaving a lasting impact on cricket enthusiasts and fans of the Indian cricket team.
2. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
The film chronicles the life of legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, also known as “The Flying Sikh.” It is a compelling portrayal of his struggles, triumphs, and journey to become one of India’s most celebrated athletes. The film stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, who underwent a remarkable physical transformation to portray Milkha Singh. His performance received critical acclaim and is considered one of the standout aspects of the movie. The film also features Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, and Prakash Raj in supporting roles. The film beautifully captures Milkha Singh’s determination, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It sheds light on the challenges he faced, both on and off the field, including the haunting memories of the Partition, personal tragedies, and his complex relationship with his coach, played by Pavan Malhotra.
3. 83
83 is directed by Kabir Khan. The film tells the story of the Indian cricket team’s historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, where they emerged as the underdogs to defeat the dominant West Indies team. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, 83 offers a thrilling and nostalgic cinematic experience, recreating one of the most significant moments in Indian cricket history. Ranveer Singh portrays the iconic former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, who captained the team during the 1983 World Cup. Known for his dedication, leadership, and exceptional cricketing skills, Kapil Dev played a pivotal role in guiding the Indian team to their first-ever World Cup win. The film not only focuses on the cricket matches but also delves into the personal stories and dynamics within the team. 83 not only celebrates the victory of the Indian cricket team but also pays tribute to the sport itself.
4. Mary Com
Mary Kom was released in 2014 and it is directed by Omung Kumar. The film tells the inspiring story of Mary Kom, a renowned Indian boxer and Olympic medalist. Starring Priyanka Chopra in the lead role, Mary Kom showcases the journey of a determined young woman who overcomes numerous obstacles to become one of the most celebrated athletes in India. The film depicts Mary Kom’s early life in Manipur, a state in northeastern India, where she faced societal opposition and financial constraints while pursuing her passion for boxing. Priyanka Chopra delivers a powerful performance as Mary Kom, perfectly capturing her resilience, grit, and the intense physicality required in the sport of boxing. Mary Kom is a captivating film that showcases the incredible journey of an Indian boxing legend. It celebrates the triumph of the human spirit, the pursuit of dreams, and the power of perseverance.
5. Saina
Saina is directed by Amole Gupte. The film tells the inspiring story of Saina Nehwal, one of India’s most accomplished badminton players. Starring Parineeti Chopra in the lead role, Saina portrays the journey of a young girl who defies all odds to become a champion in the world of badminton. Saina showcases the highs and lows of Saina Nehwal’s career, including her struggles in balancing her personal and professional life, her encounters with injuries, and the pressure to perform on the international stage. Amole Gupte, known for his ability to bring out strong performances and heartfelt narratives, effectively captures the essence of Saina Nehwal’s story. The film strikes a balance between showcasing the technical aspects of badminton and exploring Saina’s personal journey, including her relationships, her determination to prove herself, and the sacrifices she made to reach the pinnacle of her career.
6. Shabaash Mithu
Shabaash Mithu is based on the life of Mithali Raj, one of India’s greatest women cricketers. Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role, portraying the inspiring journey of Mithali Raj and her contribution to Indian cricket. Mithali Raj, often referred to as the “Tendulkar of Indian Women’s Cricket,” has been a trailblazer in the sport, achieving numerous records and accolades throughout her career. Shabaash Mithu depicted the challenges and sacrifices made by Mithali Raj, not only as a sportsperson but also as a woman striving to create a lasting impact in a traditionally male-dominated field. Shabaash Mithu is poised to be an inspiring and empowering film that celebrates the achievements and resilience of Mithali Raj.
7. Dangal
The film is based on the inspiring real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach from Haryana, and his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, who went on to become successful wrestlers. Dangal begins by depicting the struggles of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an accomplished wrestler who had to abandon his dreams of winning a gold medal for India due to societal and familial obligations. The film beautifully captures the emotional journey of the Phogat family as the girls face opposition and scepticism from society and their own internal struggles. It explores themes of gender equality, perseverance, and the power of familial support in achieving one’s dreams. The relationship between Mahavir and his daughters is portrayed with depth and warmth, showcasing their bond, challenges, and ultimate triumphs. The film collected a worldwide gross of 1868 Cr.
8. Paan Singh Tomar
Paan Singh Tomar is directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. The film depicts the extraordinary life and journey of Paan Singh Tomar, a renowned athlete, and soldier who turned into a rebel and dacoit (bandit) due to a series of unfortunate events. It offers a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of Tomar’s life and the circumstances that led to his transformation. Paan Singh Tomar not only presents a compelling character study but also touches upon broader themes such as social injustice, the plight of marginalised communities, and the repercussions of a flawed system. It sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals who are forced to take extreme measures when pushed to the edge. Paan Singh Tomar won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Irrfan Khan.
9. Soorma
Soorma is directed by Shaad Ali. The film revolves around the life of Sandeep Singh, an Indian field hockey player and former captain of the national team. The film explores Sandeep’s journey from a small village in Haryana to representing the Indian hockey team at international events. The film explores Sandeep’s journey from a small village in Haryana to representing the Indian hockey team at international events. Soorma features exceptional performances by Diljit Dosanjh, who portrays Sandeep Singh, and Tapsee Pannu, who plays his love interest.
10. Azhar
The film revolves around the life and controversies of Mohammad Azharuddin, one of India’s most prominent cricketers and former captain of the Indian national cricket team. It provides a fictionalized account of Azharuddin’s rise to fame, his achievements in cricket, and the match-fixing scandal that marred his career. The narrative of Azhar is a blend of drama, emotions, and cricketing moments. It depicts key moments from Azharuddin’s cricketing career, recreating iconic matches and showcasing his batting prowess. The supporting cast includes Prachi Desai as Azharuddin’s first wife Naureen, Nargis Fakhri as his second wife Sangeeta Bijlani, and Lara Dutta as a lawyer fighting his case. These performances add depth and dimension to the film, exploring the relationships and personal struggles that shaped Azharuddin’s life.
