Bollywood blockbusters cover a wide range of topics and genres. But sports movies are epic on another level. The story of a rising star or a forgotten hero defying all odds to take down the bad guy and win the cup seems tailor-made for Bollywood. Add in a subplot concerning the hero’s love interest, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a masala film.
Whether the directors are inspired after betting at the top betting sites in India on this site, is unknown, but we sure love betting on the underdog. Here are the 7 best Bollywood sports films you should not miss:
1. Lagaan, 2001
The movie starring Aamir Khan is a fictional story set during the period of British control in India. It tells the story of how residents of a small town in India beat some pompous Englishmen at their own game: cricket. Lagaan, which was made on an astounding budget of 250 million rupees, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, but lost.
2. Chak De India, 2007
Even the coldest heart would be warmed by the moving story of India’s women’s hockey team winning the World Cup against all odds. There’s also the story of a troubled former player, superbly depicted by Shah Rukh Khan, redeeming himself as the team’s coach with the extra satisfaction of defeating Australia in the final. SRK’s amazing Sattar Minute speech is especially memorable.
3. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 2013
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the thrilling true story of Milkha Singh, India’s Flying Sikh who came within a whisker of earning an Olympic medal. Farhan Akhtar plays the great athlete admirably in the major role. This film, combined with an uplifting soundtrack, will inspire you to get off the sofa and focus on your health.
4. Awwal Number, 1990
During a cricket match between India and Australia, a terrorist plot to blow up the stadium, and a budding star (Aamir Khan) scores the winning inning. It had all the ingredients for a Bollywood blockbuster, yet it underperformed at the box office. Despite this, the film remains a breath of nostalgia after all these years.
5. Paan Singh Tomar, 2012
Another true story, this time about an Indian army soldier who earned a gold medal at the National Games but was forced to become a dacoit due to circumstances. Irrfan Khan shines as Paan Singh Tomar. The film received the National Award for Best Feature Film, and Irrfan Khan was named Best Actor.
6. Chamatkar, 1992
Classics will never go out of style. Although cricket is not the major focus of this ghost comedy, the entire plot revolves around a cricket match. Despite its failure, the film was extremely popular among children. And it still has that feel-good aspect working in its favour after more than 20 years.
7. Ka Po Che, 2013
Chetan Bhagat’s works seem to be written with Bollywood in mind, and “The 3 Mistakes Of My Life” was no exception. Friendship and cricket are two of the best components of a Bollywood film, and the plot revolves around the search for the next Sachin Tendulkar. The film did well at the box office as well.