Hindi film buff or not, you sure know sports biopics are Bollywood’s new blue-eyed boy. With filmmakers exercising their creativity in the sports genre, inspiring real life journeys of sportspersons have captivated us in the recent years. The grit, the struggle, the victories – the journey of iconic sports personalities comes with a heavy dose of drama, frame that in an on-screen production and you have a winner!
A thriving trend, these riveting stories have enraptured the critics and audience alike. Celebrating the reel and real life of these sports stars, here are DSSC’s picks of top five inspiring real life stories of the decade that will rouse the sportsperson in you.
Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Image: tensports.com
One of the first films to bring on the sports biopics trend, Paan Singh Tomar enthralled the viewers in 2012 with its crafty presentation of a hard-hitting plot. The Irrfan Khan starrer traces real life Paan Singh Tomar’s journey from being an Army subedar to a seven-time national champion athlete to a dacoit. It showcases how Tomar left his dacoit-infested district, Morena, to join the Army, where he became a steeplechase athlete primarily for better food, finally becoming an outlaw in an attempt to resolve land troubles back home. The film weaves together drama, humour, and tragedy as it displays how the national champion came under the spotlight not for his achievements but for his crimes. The subtle thread between life, society, and sports lays a focus of excelling in sports despite hardships, stirring on the hustle switch in you.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Image: moviehdwallpapers.com
A biography film on the Flying Sikh, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag brings together realism and drama impeccably. Mapping his life from childhood the movie presents how partition uprooted Milkha Singh’s life, leading him to a wayward youth, and finally joining the army and going on to become an Olympian. Also a Commonwealth Gold winner, the track & field sprinter’s grit to achieve and make something of himself is brought forward in an exemplary manner. Be prepared for BMB to motivate you to get up and RUN (towards your goals for now, perhaps). Also, Farhan Akhtar’s rugged charm act as major brownie points.
Mary Kom (2014)
Director: Omung Kumar
Image: desimartini.com
Based on the life of the Olympic boxer, Mary Kom takes you through her life graph, which features many a ups & downs. A Manipur rice farmer’s daughter, Kom went on to become an Olympic bronze medalist and five-time world amateur boxing champion. The movie depicts how Kom, played ably by Priyanka Chopra, conquered her fate, from her father’s resistance to her profession to callous sports authorities to an ill-timed pregnancy, and returned to the ring only to win more medals. With a focus on the sportswoman and not just the sport, the film brings us closer to one of the most celebrated female sportsperson in the country, compelling you to root for our unsung heroes even harder.
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Image: hotstar.com
Yes, as a country we need to see beyond cricket, but a list of stellar sports biopics would be incomplete without this game! The story of a small boy from Ranchi with big dreams, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story shows us how the cricketer carved his way from the lanes of his town despite setbacks, with support & love from close ones. With Sushant Rajput in the lead, the movie charts Dhoni’s journey from being a railway ticket collector in Kharagpur to being selected for the national cricket team at 23 years of age, finally going on to be one of the most celebrated players in recent times. The three hour long saga keeps you engaged for every minute of it, making you sit up and take notice of how to relentless chase your dreams.
Dangal (2016)
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Image: mediaindia.eu
The latest sports biopic to hit the screens, Dangal sketches out the life story of wrestler sisters Geeta and Babita Phogat.The film hugely focusses on their father, Mahavir Phogat, who was the driving force behind the girls’ success. It spans across their father encouraging them to pursue wrestling, the team of three fighting against societal norms to accomplish their goal, and going on to become world champions. Just like Geeta and Babita’s real life plot, the film emphasises women breaking into conventionally male-dominated sports, and championing girl power by actioning it rather than simply speaking about it. Sure to drive you to wrestle-up plans for your own goal, Dangal makes for an absorbing production. Another stellar gem in Aamir Khan’s impressive portfolio.
Tubs of ice cream, check. Munchies, check. Colas, check. Time to press play and let ‘em movies slay!
Featured Image Courtesy: indianexpress.com
