From Kaun Pravin Tambe to 83, Five unmissable films for cricket fans

In India, nearly every lane, cul de sac, field, and colony has simultaneous cricket matches going on every day. Being such a popular sport, it is no wonder that the public’s adrenaline peaks during high-stakes cricket matches. If cricket makes your blood thrum with pleasure, then these five films are unmissable for you.

Kaun Pravin Tambe

This 2022 sports biopic is one of the best of its kind, both in performance and storytelling. Starring a talented Shreyas Talpade in the eponymous role, the film also features Ashish Vidyarthi and Parambrata Chatterjee. The film traces the real and raw story of the struggle and hard work of right-arm Indian spinner Pravin Tambe as he realized his dream of playing for the Ranji trophy, and more, becoming the first Indian cricketer to debut internationally in his 40s.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

Another feel-good biopic on the life of the titular character, erstwhile Indian cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The 2016 film starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, Disha Patana, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher, Bhumika Chawla, and Rajesh Sharma, traces the dedication and daily rigor put into cricket practice by a young Captain Cool, as he grows up and learns to maneuver adulthood, before succeeding at cricket. The film also provides a fresh insight into the personal life and thoughts of M.S. Dhoni.

Shabaash Mithu

This 2022 biopic based on the life of former Test and ODI captain of the India women’s national cricket team, Mithali Raj. Starring Taapsee Pannu as the titular character, the film traces her initiation into cricket thanks to ill-fated dance lessons as well as a firecracker of a friend Noori. As the two friends face misogyny, ridicule, mockery, and bigotry while navigating the world as young girls playing cricket, they catch the eye of coach Sampath, who ensures their training is rigorous and thorough. The journey of Mithali Raj from a gully player to Captain of India women’s cricket team is an inspiration for all.

83

This 2021 sports biopic not only traces the story of then-captain of Indian cricket team, Kapil Dev, but focuses on his miraculous victory at the 1983 World Cup with a highly talented team of international underdogs. Starring Ranveer Singh, Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Deepika Padukone, 83 is a celebration of one of the most iconic moments of Indian cricket history- the first world cup victory of India.

Jersey

Starring Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, and Pankaj Kapoor, among others, Jersey is a 2022 cricket drama that marks the Hindi directorial debut of Gowtam Tinnanuri. This heart-touching, family film traces the story of an extraordinary batsman Arjun, who returns to cricket only to fulfill his son’s ardent desire for a jersey. Involving several twists and turns, the film ends on a bittersweet, albeit proud note, with the jersey being achieved, along with a better financial situation as well as respect.