Paris Olympics are right around the corner and sports fans in the whole country will eagerly await the summer games to get underway. But while you wait, we have assembled a list of 10 movies that should make you feel hella patriotic. But before we go on to the list, here are some honourable mentions: Chak De India(2007), Sultan(2016), 83(2021), Soorma(2018), and Shabaash Mittu(2022). The following list is a proper mix of box-office blockbusters, regional masterpieces, and revolting storylines, so get your popcorn ready and be prepared to dive in!
1. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
This movie revolves around the tough and hardworking life of the legendary Milkha Singh. The “Flying Sikh” represented India in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympic Games and came very close to a bronze-place finish in 1960. The film shows Milkha Singh’s struggles during the 1947 Partition and his journey to becoming the beacon of Indian Athletics. This blockbuster starring Farhan Akhtar is a glimpse into what it takes to reach the very top.
2. Gold (2018)
The story of the Indian Hockey team’s success post the India-Pakistan partition of 1947. This movie gives a close-up into the geopolitical scenario of the partition and Indian hockey through the eyes of coach, Tapan Das. It embodies the feeling that India felt after defeating Great Britain in the finals of the 1948 Olympics after having been colonised for over 200 years. Akshay Kumar brings his A-game in this one with a strong supporting cast which imparts a strong sense of patriotism in the hearts of every Indian.
3. Rashmi Rocket (2021)
This Taapsee Pannu starter movie follows the life of Rashmi, a track and field athlete who excels in her sport so much that she is forced to undergo a gender test. You cannot discuss breaking social barriers in sports without bringing up this underrated movie. Some people might find similarities between the movie’s main character who is a small-town girl, and the Indian athlete Dutee Chand, who was barred from competing against women for having high testosterone levels. A must-watch movie overall and our second and last track-and-field movie on the list.
4. Saina (2021)
Parineeti Chopra plays her part to perfection in this feature film on the life of Saina Nehwal. Winner of the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, the badminton maestro has inspired many girls to take up the sport and dream of representing the country. The story of the former No. 1 ranked player is truly worth watching.
5. Mary Kom (2014)
Coming from a small village in Manipal, India, Mary Kom went on to represent the country and has since won a record total of 8 World Championships in Boxing, most for any boxer in history, male or female. The Manipal-born boxer retired in January 2024 after writing her own destiny in the world of boxing. The film showcases her journey from being a village-girl, to becoming a boxer and a mother of two, to winning the bronze medal for India at the 2012 London Olympics.
6. Yellow (2014)
When Gauri is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, her mother makes it her life’s goal to provide her daughter with a normal upbringing. As the daughter-mother duo embark on this tough journey, Gauri develops a liking for swimming. Recognizing this, her mother enrols Gauri under a professional swimming coach named Pratap Sardeshmukh played by Upendra Limaye. The story follows Gauri’s struggles as a girl with Down syndrome and how her coach and mother’s encouragement gives her strength to become a professional swimmer. A lesser-known fact about this Marathi-regional masterpiece is that Gauri Gadgil plays her own character in the movie!
7. Maidaan (2024)
The most recently released film on the list follows the journey of the former Indian Football Head Coach Syed Abdul Rahim, who is often considered the Architect of Indian Football to this day. The story takes us through the politically affected world of Indian sports and how Rahim, played by Ajay Devgn navigates his team through chaos culminating in India winning the Gold Medal in the 1962 Asian Games.
8. Dangal (2016)
This box-office blockbuster is a biographical sports drama that chronicles the journey of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers, overcoming societal and personal challenges. The film highlights themes of gender equality, perseverance, and family support and is a must-watch if you already haven’t.
9. Irudhi Suttru (2016)
This is a Tamil sports drama film directed by Sudha Kongara. It stars R. Madhavan as a disgraced boxing coach who discovers and mentors a feisty fisherwoman, played by Ritika Singh, to compete at the national level. The plot of the film highlights themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity in the face of defeat.
10. Harjeeta (2018)
An Indian Punjabi-language sports biographical film directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, it chronicles the life of Harjeet Singh Tuli, an underdog hockey player who rose from a challenging childhood to become the captain of the Indian junior hockey team, leading them to victory in the 2016 Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup. The film also underscores the significance of teamwork, discipline, and the power of dreams, inspiring viewers to pursue their goals despite obstacles.
