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Cricket, being an integral part of Indian culture, has found its resonance in Bollywood through compelling narratives that capture the essence of the sport. From tales of triumph to stories of struggle, Bollywood has beautifully translated the drama and excitement of cricket into cinematic masterpieces.
A cinematic journey through cricketing sagas
This curated list brings forth the seven best Bollywood cricket movies that have left an indelible mark on audiences, combining the thrill of the game with captivating storytelling. This collection of Bollywood cricket movies spans various eras, showcasing iconic moments, legendary players, and the emotional rollercoaster that defines the world of cricket. Each film on this list goes beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, delving into the lives of players, the passion of fans, and the indomitable spirit that cricket embodies.
7 Bollywood films that score high on cricket drama:
1. Lagaan (2001):
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘Lagaan’ is a cinematic marvel that seamlessly blends cricket with historical drama. Set during the British colonial era in India, the film revolves around a group of impoverished villagers led by Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan). To alleviate the burden of oppressive taxes imposed by the British, Bhuvan and his fellow villagers faced a unique challenge – a cricket match where victory would exempt them from taxation for three years.
The film brilliantly captures the spirit of cricket as a metaphor for freedom, unity, and defiance against injustice. The cricket game becomes a battleground for more than just sport, evolving into a powerful symbol of resistance and hope. Aamir’s stellar performance, coupled with the film’s rich storytelling and memorable music, catapulted “Lagaan” to international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
2. Iqbal (2005):
‘Iqbal,’ directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, is a heartwarming and inspiring tale centered around a deaf and mute boy named Iqbal (played by Shreyas Talpade) who aspires to become a cricketer. Living in a remote Indian village, Iqbal faces numerous challenges, including societal prejudices and financial constraints. However, with the guidance of his sister and the support of a former cricketer turned alcoholic (played by Naseeruddin Shah), Iqbal overcomes adversity to pursue his dream of playing for the Indian cricket team. The film beautifully captures the triumph of the human spirit, emphasizing that passion and determination can transcend any obstacle. “Iqbal” stands out as a poignant story that celebrates the inclusivity and transformative power of cricket in changing lives.
3. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016):
Directed by Neeraj Pandey, ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’ is a biographical film that provides an intimate look into the life of one of India’s most successful cricket captains, MS Dhoni. Sushant Singh Rajput delivers a compelling performance, portraying Dhoni’s journey from a small-town boy with a passion for cricket to the captain who led India to numerous victories, including the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. The film explores Dhoni’s struggles, sacrifices, and the unwavering determination that propelled him to cricketing stardom. It not only chronicles the highs and lows of Dhoni’s career but also offers insights into the man behind the cricketing legend.
4. Azhar (2016):
Directed by Tony D’Souza, ‘Azhar’ is a biographical drama that chronicles the tumultuous life and career of one of India’s most controversial cricket captains, Mohammad Azharuddin. Emraan Hashmi steps into the shoes of Azhar, offering a nuanced portrayal of the cricketer’s journey from a young talent to the captain of the Indian cricket team. The film delves into Azharuddin’s personal and professional struggles, including the match-fixing scandal that led to his ban from cricket.
‘Azhar’ provides a glimpse into the complexities of Azharuddin’s life, exploring the relationships, controversies, and the subsequent legal battles that marked his career. With a mix of courtroom drama and cricketing action, the movie attempts to unravel the layers of a figure whose legacy remains a subject of debate and fascination in the cricketing world.
5. 83 (2021):
’83,’ directed by Kabir Khan, is a brilliantly made bollywood film that delves into a historic chapter in Indian cricket – the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The movie recounts the journey of the Indian cricket team under the captaincy of Kapil Dev (played by Ranveer Singh), culminating in their unexpected triumph against the formidable West Indies in the World Cup final. The film not only captured the thrilling cricketing moments but also explores the camaraderie among team members and the resilience that led to India’s first-ever World Cup victory. With meticulous attention to detail, “83” have a power to literally transport audiences back in time to relive the euphoria and emotions associated with this iconic moment in Indian sports history.
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6. Jersey (2022):
‘Jersey,’ directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, is a heartwarming sports drama that explores the theme of determination, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams. Shahid Kapoor plays the lead role of Arjun, a talented cricketer who once aspired to play for the Indian cricket team but had to abandon his dreams due to unforeseen circumstances. The story takes a poignant turn when Arjun decides to make a comeback to cricket at the age of 36, donning the jersey once again to prove himself and fulfill a promise to his son.
The film beautifully captures the emotional struggles, sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit of a father who embarks on an extraordinary journey to re-enter the world of professional cricket. Shahid’s compelling performance and the film’s well-crafted narrative make ‘Jersey’ a poignant tale that goes beyond the boundaries of sports, touching upon themes of family, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit. The cricket-centric storyline is not just about the sport but serves as a metaphor for life’s second chances and the pursuit of one’s passions against all odds.
7. Ghoomer (2023):
‘Ghoomer’ portrays the inspirational journey of Anina, a former female cricketer played by Saiyami Kher. The narrative unfolds with Anina’s dream of representing the Indian cricket team, which takes an unexpected turn when she faces a life-altering accident resulting in the loss of her arm. Despite this setback, Anina’s indomitable spirit, coupled with the dedicated coaching and encouragement from Paddy (portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan), propels her to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
With unwavering determination and Paddy’s guidance, Anina defies the odds and achieves her dream of donning the Indian cricket team jersey. The narrative takes a poignant turn as Anina, originally a right-hand batter, transforms into a bowler, adapting to her changed circumstances. Her unique and innovative bowling style, aptly named ‘Ghoomer,’ becomes her weapon to perplex and outsmart opponents.
