Bollywood and Cricket are intertwined which can be seen in several cricket movies in Bollywood. Cricket is not just a sport in India, but a religion. The sport unites a country of more than a billion population. It also divides the people in the IPL season into their favourite players and franchises. However, the winner at the end is always the sport and the Indians who have embraced it.
Another industry that is as big as Cricket is Bollywood. Bollywood has innovatively explored the cricket genre and has graced the silver screen. From inspiring tales of victory to heart-wrenching stories of struggle, Bollywood has explored it all. We will explore the 10 best cricket movies in Bollywood that have inspired a wide range of audiences in this article.
List of Cricket Movies in Bollywood
1. Lagaan (2001)
Without mentioning Lagaan, there won’t be any list of cricket-related movies in Bollywood. The period drama set in colonial India, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, takes the audience back to British times. To escape from oppressive taxes, a group of villagers led by Aamir Khan challenges the British rulers to a game of cricket. With brilliant storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, Lagaan brought cricket to the forefront of Indian cinema. The Bollywood cricket movie created some of the iconic characters in cinema and is appreciated both in India and Internationally.
2. Iqbal (2005)
Iqbal, starring Shreyas Talpade is a heartwarming tale about a deaf and mute boy who aspires to become a cricketer. Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the movie also stars Naseeruddin Shas as a washed-up former cricketer. The movie not only focuses on the young boy’s challenges but also the power of determination and dreams. The Bollywood cricket movie Iqbal proved that one need not be a star cricketer to shine on the field; it’s the spirit that counts.
3. Jannat (2008)
Jannat is not a movie set on the cricket field but on the ugly side of the sport involving match-fixing gambling, and the temptation of quick money. Arjun, played by Emraan Hashmi, is a bookie who gets entangled in cricket betting. The film highlights the layers of corruption around the gentlemen’s game. Jannat is one of the most popular cricket related movies in Bollywood. The gripping thriller shows the vulnerability of players and the high stakes in the world of professional cricket.
4. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
The name Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Captain Cool, is etched in Indian cricket history. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story by Neeraj Pandey, is one of the first cricket biopic movies in India. The movie is set on the backdrop of the life and career of MS Dhoni, one of the most successful captains of the Indian Cricket team. Portrayed by Sushant Singh Rajput, the climax of the movie makes every Indian emotional. The Bollywood cricket movie beautifully captures the story of a small-town boy to the Indian cricket team captain who leads the team to many championships. It is one of the best cricket movies in India.
5. Azhar (2016)
Azhar is one of the cricket biopic movies in Bollywood. The movie is based on the former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. The lead role, played by Emraan Hashmi showcases the humble beginnings of the captain of the Indian cricket team. The movie not only highlights his on-field achievements but also his career’s highs and lows. The Indian cricketer movie also touches on the scandal that led to his downfall.
6. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)
It would have been an injustice if there wasn’t a Bollywood cricket movie on the God of Cricket, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The movie is a biographical documentary that takes moviegoers on a journey through Sachin’s life from his early days to becoming a cricketing icon. The film highlights Little Master’s personal and professional life and serves as a tribute to his unmatched cricketing career. The Bollywood cricket movie is narrated by Sachin Tendulkar himself.
7. 83 (2021)
The sports drama 83, recounts the historic World Cup Victory by India in 1983, led by Kapil Dev. The star-studded movie highlights how the underdogs India went on to clinch their first World Cup trophy. The movie, with the lead portrayal of the then captain Kapil Dev, by Ranveer Singh is a significant addition to the list of cricket movies in India.
8. Kaun Pravin Tambe? (2022)
Shreyas Talpade starrer Kaun Pravin Tambe? is a cricket biopic movie based on cricketer Pravin Tambe. He made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the age of 41 for the Rajasthan Royals franchise. He used to play tennis ball cricket and club cricket in Mumbai for 20 years without a single high-level match. The movie released on Disney+ Hotstar is one of the most beautifully crafted Bollywood cricket movies.
9. Shabaash Mithu (2022)
Shabaash Mithu is a biopic based on former Indian Women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj. Directed by Srijit Mukherji, the movie highlights the personal and professional life of Mithali Raj. It also focuses on the condition of women’s cricket in India and its empowerment over time. Starring Taapsee Pannu, the Bollywood cricket biopic movie received mixed reviews from the audience. However, it is a tribute to cricket icon Mithali Raj.
10. Jersey (2022)
Jersey is a sports drama starring Shahid Kapoor and Mrinal Thakur. The movie revolves around a talented cricketer who makes a comeback at the age of 36 to pursue his dream of playing for the Indian cricket team. The movie is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and outstanding performances. It is the latest cricket movie in Bollywood that depicts his journey, determination, and the obstacles he faces in his quest for redemption.
Conclusion
Bollywood and Cricket have a longstanding love affair. The sports theme has drawn audiences to the silver screen and has showcased the memorable moments of Indian cricket. The cricket movies in Bollywood have managed to strike a chord with viewers through inspirational stories of triumph or the exploration of the game’s darker aspects. These Bollywood cricket movies are not just for entertainment but a unique insight into the world of cricket. The Hindi cricket movies have showcased the passion, determination, and struggles that define the sport.
