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The best of popular Bollywood sports biopics from the last decade to watch before Shabaash Mithu’s release

From Mary Kom to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, witness the inspiring stories of India’s sports legends in the form of these silver screen works.

The best of popular Bollywood sports biopics from the last decade to watch before Shabaash Mithu’s release
Shilpa S

Last Updated:

Sports figures are definitely a very revered lot among Indians. In a country where games and sports are such an important part of people’s lives, it’s no surprise that people elevate the players of their favourite sport to celebrity status and obsess over them as much as the sport they play. And this fact has certainly not been lost on Bollywood.

The industry has cashed in on the hero worship to deliver to audiences some intriguing biographical films where viewers can watch the charisma of their favourite sports stars come alive on screen yet again in different avatars. Quite recently even, the inspiring story of the current ODI and Test captain of the women's national cricket team, Mithali Raj has been turned into a film called Shabaash Mithu, which stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead. The film will be released in theatres on July 15.

As you wait for Shabaash Mithu to premiere, here are a few other sports biopics that are definitely worth checking out:

1

Paan Singh Tomar

8.5
From soldier to sports legend to dacoit, Paan Singh Tomar’s story certainly makes for an intriguing tale. The 2010 film traces the journey of Singh, starting from his military days to his rise as a celebrated athlete who represented India at the 1958 Asian Games. The film also gives viewers a peek into the events in his life that made him choose to return to his village and eventually become a dacoit. Starring Irrfan Khan in the titular role, the film opened to critical acclaim and earned the National Awards for best film and best actor for Khan.

where
to Watch

2

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

8
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag tells the incredible story of Milkha Singh, one of the most iconic athletes in the country. The film is based on the late track star’s autobiography, The Race of My Life, and follows his tragic childhood and meteoric rise as a world-class sprinter through his sheer hard work and determination. Singh holds the record of being the only athlete to have won gold medals in the 400-metre dash at both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Farhan Akhtar portrays the protagonist in this acclaimed film.

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to Watch

3

Mary Kom

7.2
Mary Kom is arguably one of the most well-known female boxers in the country. This 2014 movie tells her arduous journey in the boxing field, from a young girl sneaking out to practise, avoiding the eyes of her disapproving father to a World Champion in the sport. The film also depicts the various roadblocks she had to face, in both her personal and professional life, and the support systems she had which helped her overcome them. Priyanka Chopra stars as the titular boxer in this Omung Kumar directorial.

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to Watch

4

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

8.1
It certainly is a mammoth task to tell the story of one of India’s most beloved cricket superstars, but Neeraj Pandey proved up to the task. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story takes a deep dive into just how Dhoni became a household name from his humble beginnings. In addition to the struggles he overcame, viewers also get to glimpse the tribulations which he had to overcome in his personal life to earn the position he has today. The late Sushant Singh Rajput gives an impeccable performance as the cricketing legend.

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to Watch

5

Dangal

8.4
Dangal stands out from the pack when it comes to the usual run-of-the-mill sports stories. The film focuses on the efforts of Mahavir Singh Phogat as he claps back at sexist stereotypes to raise his young daughters as formidable wrestlers, essaying the role of both their father and coach. In the end, the father’s efforts achieve results as the Phogat sisters, Geeta and Babita, go on to become medal winners at the Commonwealth Games. The film stars Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra.

where
to Watch


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