Before Ajay Devgn’s ‘Maidan’, 5 must-watch soccer movies for sports lovers | Bollywood

Sports movies are always a source of inspiration for audiences. The lives of iconic football players have often motivated young people to excel in different areas of life. As Ajay Devgn’s ‘Maidan’ hits theaters, we bring you a list of 5 iconic sports movies. (Also read: Ajay Devgn’s ‘Maidan’ will be released on April 10 for evening shows only and wide release on April 11)

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Gurinder Chadha’s sports comedy tells the story of Jasminder Bumrah aka Jess, a London-born girl of Indian origin. Her films depict her conflict with her traditional Punjabi Sikh family’s aspirations and her own dreams. The film remains relevant today as it shows the resistance to female sports and social norms in Asian cultures. Parminder K. Nagra plays the lead role. Kela Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Anupam Kher also play important characters.

Offside (2006)

The Iranian sports comedy, directed by Jafar Panahi, revolves around cultural beliefs that prohibit women from participating in sports. The film is about a group of female Iranian soccer fans who enter a stadium disguised as young boys. However, they were later identified and arrested, as women are officially banned from participating in men’s sporting events in Iran. The film was banned in its home country, even though it was shot entirely in the country. Offside is available to stream on Prime Video.

Bigil (2019)

Bigil is a Tamil sports action drama directed by Atlee. The film is a story about a young soccer player who gives up on his passion after his father is murdered. However, her friend convinces her to coach a women’s soccer team, giving her the chance to relive her dreams. The film stars Vijay and Nayanthara in important roles and is available for streaming on Prime Video in India.

Gorondage

The historical Bengali sports biopic is based on the life of Nagendra Prasad Sarvadhikari, who is considered the father of Indian football. The film focuses on Nagendra’s courage to take on the British in a match with the help of his teammates. This work shows the inspiring resilience of sportsmen despite colonial oppression. Directed by Dhrubo Belji, the film also stars Dev, Alex Onell, Anirban Bhattacharya, Isha Saha, Indrashish Roy, John Bhattacharya, Milki Agni and Shrikanta Acharya in important roles. Golondaaj is available to stream on his Disney + Hotstar.

Jundo

Amitabh Bachchan plays retired sports teacher Vijay Barsu in Nagraj Manjul’s ‘Jhund’. The film depicts the inspiring journey of Vijay who transforms the lives of children living in slums. The veteran actor takes on the difficult task of training unruly young people away from drugs and crime. Jhund can be streamed on his ZEE5.

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