Movies are magic! They inspire us, fill us with imagination, power our dreams and often show us how others have achieved their own. Sports movies are even more so, filled with adrenaline rush, excitement and hope. While our work week has been filled with one kind of excitement, let’s leave the stress behind to focus on adrenaline rush of a different kind. Spend this #SaffronStaysSunday watching movies that will charge you, inspire you & help you in face the coming week with a “go-getter” attitude.
Here are 10 nail-biting Indian sports movies which will keep you hooked to the screen, while your mind is processing the invaluable lessons that are meant to be learnt from them.
1. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
While the country was beaming with pride for having won the T20 World Cup for the first time, nobody knew the real story of the captain who made it possible. Based on the real-life struggle of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, this biographical sports movie takes you through a roller coaster of emotions. Behind the cool composed stance of the greatest captain in Indian cricket history, lies a man with a past as uncertain as everybody else’s. Rising from the ashes like the phoenix, this movie will instill in you a ‘never-say-die’ attitude that will help you through quite a bit of your own struggle.
Watch M.S.Dhoni: The Untold Story on Hotstar.
2. Mary Kom (2014)
Hailing from Manipur, the daughter of a rice farmer showed society that grit and determination are the keys to success. Starring Priyanka Chopra, this biopic is based on the true story of the world champion boxer – Mary Kom. A woman who fought all odds, who breathed life into the sport of boxing. Though she took a hiatus from the game after becoming a mother, she did not let her ambition fizzle out. Torn between the love for her family and her duty towards her country, she showed the world that there is no limit to what a woman can accomplish.
Watch Mary Kom on Netflix.
3. 83 (2021)
A film that recreated the historical day of 1983, this movie is based on the real-life incidents of an Indian Cricket Captain who won the World Cup for his country at the age of 24. The confidence that you have in yourself and your passion will take you far and long in life, is the message throughout the movie. Having the bare minimum support from the country the team represented, the goal of this team was not just about winning on the world stage-it was also about gaining respect. Leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, unparalleled determination and the famous ‘Natraj Shot’ makes this movie a must-watch!
4. Lagaan (2001)
It is the year 1893 and the British are ruthless in their rule of India. A small village is particularly weighed down by a tyrannical land tax levied on its citizens. The decision is meekly accepted by everyone except a rebellious farmer who brings together his own motley crew of inexperienced, unlettered villagers to take on the might of the British all with a game of high-stakes cricket. Exciting, enthralling, nail-biting are so many of the emotions that capture what you go through watching this movie. While the songs and scale of it leave you mesmerizied, this movie is a true triumph of hard work, sheer grit and a ‘never say die’ attitude.
Watch Lagaan on Netflix.
5. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Starting from the pre-independence era and following up until the Asian Games, this is the story of the ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh. An adolescent boy who witnessed unspeakable horror at a very young age, he goes on to join the army wanting to serve his nation. He never claimed to be perfect, but was rather very aware of his flaws. What he wasn’t aware of though, was his talent. Having discovered his skills and talent for running, this ‘coming of age’ biopic goes on to narrate that a person’s past does not define the person. Milkha Singh went on to chart an unforgettable course in the world of sprinting, always remembering his father’s last words “Bhaag Milkha, Bhaag!”
Watch Bhaag Milkha Bhaag on Hotstar.
6. Dangal (2016)
Haryana is truly one of the power places of sports in India. Dangal takes us through the real-life story of 2 sisters who are trained to fulfil their father’s dream of winning the gold medal for India in wrestling. Overcoming social stigmas and people’s criticism, this family truly depicts how the bond of a family is like none other. With an excellent balance between realism and entertainment, this movie is a triumph for all the aspiring sportswomen in the country. While children may not understand their parents’ actions at first, with time they realise the importance of having one’s own identity. Dreaming big, constant efforts and hard work will never go in vain.
Watch Dangal on Netflix.
7. Saina (2021)
Starring Parineeti Chopra in the role of the former World Number 1 badminton champion Saina Nehwal, this biopic is a true narration of her life’s journey. A child enthusiast in the sport of badminton, the story goes on to witness her unbreakable spirit and her determination to win the game. Every person walks on their path, but champions are the ones who carve their path. Respecting her parents’ sacrifices and support and making her mark in badminton, Saina is a movie you should watch with your family!
Watch Saina on Amazon Prime.
8. Soorma (2018)
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
This line sums up the story of Soorma, centred around the life of hockey player Sandeep Singh. This movie narrates how sports players overcome hardships, show perseverance and mental strength which often gets eclipsed by the glitz and glory shown by media. The story of a man who had it all, and then in a split second-lost it all. Does he leave his life to fate or does he choose to make his destiny? Watch this movie to find out!
Watch Soorma on Netflix.
9. Budhia Singh – Born To Run (2016)
A story stranger than fiction and an end like no other, this movie is about a little boy with almost superhuman ability. True to its name and based on the real-life incidents of Budhia Singh, a 4-year-old who was born to run. A judo trainer took this little boy under his wing and trained him to become a marathon runner. This little boy went on to create history by running 65 kilometres in 7 hours! But his glory was short-lived. This little boy’s coaching though yielded results, the coach’s training methods were questioned by the entire country. The story is such that it’s not quite easy to figure out who the good and bad are. Watch this undiscovered gem and be the judge yourself!
Watch Budhia Singh-Born To Run on Jio Cinema.
10. Gold (2018)
There’s nothing greater than seeing your country’s flag hoisted on an international stage, especially in sports. This sentiment is amplified at the Olympics. It was the same at the 1948 Olympics in London, where the Indian hockey team had to prove that their sports dominance wasn’t by fluke. Tapan Das, a sports manager leads the charge to put together India’s first hockey team to beat the British in this fictionalized retelling of true events.
Does he manage to do that? Watch and be inspired!
Watch Gold on Amazon Prime. .
If there is something that sports players share in common, is that they were not born with fame. They, like everybody else in the world, have had to fight for their place.
This Sunday, let’s change our outlook for work and life. Failures truly are a stepping stone to success!
If you are looking for more fun things to do, check out these Outdoor Games from your childhood to bond over, watch some wonderful Hollywood movies, read these Inspiring Books or just get the family together to make these delish Salads,
