17 Bollywood sports movies ranked from worst to best

Indian sports movies, with a few exceptions, are more or less always on point.Was it a landmark? Lagaan, Oscar-nominated works and subtle social messages chak de india —Bollywood has mostly tried to avoid the clichés of athletes. Here’s the definitive ranking of modern Bollywood sports movies you should check out.

We rank Bollywood sports movies from worst to best.

17. Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009) – google play

Starring Rani Mukherjee, this movie is one of those movies that puts the heart of a sports movie in the right place. It depicts how female cricketers are largely discriminated against and not considered equal to their male counterparts. But that path was not only ridiculous, but clearly unnecessary. She proved her worth by dressing up as a man to join her men’s team.

16. Saina (2021) – Now available on Amazon Prime Video

Perhaps the only saving grace in the film was Manav Kaur’s ever-smiling face. Parineeti Chopra, based on the life of legendary badminton player Saina Nehwal, tries her best to live up to her role, but the script is sloppy and fails.

17. Azhar (2016) – Available for rent on Google Play

The story of a controversial cricketer who comes from a middle-class family and rises to fame only to be threatened with match-fixing allegations certainly had great potential. The superficial treatment of an otherwise interesting story, with Emraan Hashmi essaying the role of cricketer Azharuddin, was disappointing.

14. Mary Kom (2014) – Netflix

The film, based on the life of the titular Olympic boxing champion, was criticized for casting non-Northeastern actor Priyanka Chopra in the lead role. While the movie was faithful to the story, the casting choices stood out like a sore thumb.

13. MS Dhoni: The untold story (2016) – disney + hotstar

Sushant Singh Rajput gave his best performance as the former Indian cricket team captain and showcased his journey to lead India to a historic World Cup victory. The running time of this movie was too long and seemed too heavy at times, but it was entertaining.

12. Gold (2018) – Google Play

Directed by Reema Kagti, the film depicts the historic trajectory of India’s first gold medal at the 1948 Olympics, marking the beginning of a golden era for Indian hockey. Akshay Kumar plays the role of Tapan Das, a team manager who takes charge.

11. Solma (2018) – Netflix

Diljit Dosanjh plays the role of a hockey player who is nearly paralyzed due to an injury, but later comes back healthy. Although the film was not well received by critics, it proved to be a hit with audiences.

10. Sultan (2016) – Amazon Prime Video

Salman Khan plays the role of a wrestler who gives up the sport after his father’s death in this emotional roller coaster film. The film was praised for its tense script and all-round performance by Anushka Sharma, besides the soulful songs.

9. Dangal (2016) – Netflix

Aamir Khan plays a wrestler who fulfills his dream of winning a gold medal for his country by rebelling against societal norms and training his daughters for it. The film became a huge hit and broke records in international markets such as China.

8. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) – Disney+ Hotstar

Farhan Akhtar, one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, has gone all out for this film based on the life of sprinter Milkha Singh. Vulnerability, pathos, and passion are all vividly captured.

7. 83 (2021) – Theatrical release

The year ended with one of the most wholesome Bollywood films in a long time, starring Ranveer Singh. Director Kabir Khan accurately captures the events leading up to India’s first win at the Cricket World Cup.

6. Mukabaz (2017) – Google Play

This Anurag Kashyap film deals with the intersection of boxing, caste politics, and a messy love affair in the heart of western Uttar Pradesh. The promotional song by DIVINE hit just the right notes and captured the spirit of the movie.

5. Iqbal (2005) – Zee5

Iqbal, a boy who is deaf and unable to speak, dreams of playing for the Indian cricket team. If his physical condition interferes with selection, he asks a retired coach to train him. The film beautifully captures how an individual’s passion for cricket can overcome everything else.

4. Chakde! India (2007) – Google Play

This is one of the sports movies that deals with religious discrimination in sports. Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of the coach of a women’s hockey team who is accused of siding with Pakistan and sabotaging her team’s chances of victory, but she then fights back and leads her team to victory.

3. Jo Geeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) – Zee5

Aamir Khan, who is widely known as one of the masterpieces of Indian sports films, plays the role of a younger brother who does everything in his power to win the intercollegiate cycling competition, which his younger brother has to withdraw from due to an injury.

2. Paan Singh Tomar (2010) – Netflix

This is a movie that shows us not only victory but also what happens rear that. We keep seeing news of national sports champions being ignored and relying on odd jobs to make a living. Irrfan Khan’s powerful performance as a sportsman turned thief was a poignant commentary on our times. This is one of the must-see sports movies.

1. Lagaan (2001) – Netflix

A groundbreaking film that not only revolutionized the way sports films were made, but also showed the world the power of Indian cinema. A bonafide entertainer with a well-defined villain, a hero and an epic score by AR Rahman, Aamir Khan wins a cricket match against a controlling British official to earn a three-year tax exemption I am leading a team that takes on this challenge.