From 'Dangal ' to 'Mary Kom': Bollywood Films on Legendary Sports Figures
Feb 11, 2025
CELEB LOOKS
etimes.inDangal (2016)
'Dangal' is the inspiring tale of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babil Phogat, who overcame the conventional societal norms to achieve great heights in wrestling. Aamir Khan's portrayal of Mahavir Phogat, along with the performances of Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, made this film a big success.
Mary Kom (2014)
This biographical drama follows the journey of the Indian boxer Mary Kom overcoming multiple challenges in becoming world champion. Portrayal of the Olympic medal holder, Priyanka Chopra, through her strong performances is quite emotional.
Lagaan (2001)
'Lagaan', directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is based in British India. A group of villagers challenges the British officers to a cricket match to avoid the imposition of high taxes. Bhuvan, who plays a significant role in this, is a character acted out by Aamir Khan.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
It's a film inspired by Milkha Singh, India's most renowned sprinter, played by Farhan Akhtar. It follows him from the trauma of partition and all the way up to becoming an international athlete.
Soorma (2018)
'Soorma' is the real-life story of Sandeep Singh, former Indian hockey captain. He comes back to glory after a life-threatening injury. Diljit Dosanjh plays the role of Sandeep, and in the film, he gives his utmost effort to go beyond all personal and professional setbacks and come back again to the national team.
Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)
It is a tribute to the unmatched cricket career of Sachin Tendulkar, the great cricket legend, based on his life. The documentary is based on archival footage and interviews that will take the audience through the journey of the young boy to the 'God of Cricket'.
Chak De! India (2007)
Former Indian hockey goalkeeper, Mir Ranjan Negi, who was blamed for India's loss in the 1982 Asian Games, 'Chak De! India' is a fictionalised account in which Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of Kabir Khan, coach to a women's hockey team that went on to win the World Cup.
Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
This is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Paan Singh Tomar, an Indian soldier and athlete who won a gold medal in the Indian National Games but had to become a dacoit due to personal circumstances. Irrfan Khan gives an impressive performance as Paan Singh.
Gold (2018)
Set against India's first ever Olympic victory in field hockey in the year 1948, the film 'Gold' by Akshay Kumar's portrayal explores the story of Tapan Das, an Indian assistant coach who brings the glory of India on the hockey field the day the nation gained freedom.
Jersey (2022)
'Jersey' is the story of former cricketer Arjun Talwar who returns to cricket when he is in his 40s to fulfill a wish of his son. Arjun is portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, drawing inspiration from the real life of Nehru Cup winner Madhav Apte, whose struggles form an essential part of the narrative.
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