The Olympic Games Rio 2016 are here at last and the eyes of the world are trained on the Maracana stadium. For this year, as always, a few would become legends, and many others would have learnt a hard lesson in survival.
For that’s what sports teaches you to do - survive against all odds, whether you win the ultimate trophy or not. It’s also the reason why it’s one of the favourite themes of filmmakers around the world. Pedlers of dreams that they are, nothing attracts the cinemawallahs more than a struggler-to-victor story.
While Indian cinema tends to concentrate - as expected - on cricket, we have seen a surge of interest in other sports and athletics as well in recent years. Just think of how Salman Khan’s Sultan, based on wrestling - a sport form barely considered mainstream - has been raking in the moolah, while Aamir Khan’s upcoming Dangal is expected to bring even more attention to it.
So which are some of the best sport (and non-cricket) films made in India? Here’s our list. What’s on yours?
Mary Kom (2014)
If nothing else, Mary Kom is an important film simply because it tells an important story. The rise of a woman boxer from an unheard of Manipuri village to become a world champion thrice - and that too post motherhood - is a tale of rare grit and talent. And Priyanka Chopra in the lead - she sure worked hard to obtain Mary’s muscular physique as well as boxing style - ensured that the name of Mary Kom is better known in cricket-obsessed India.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
It’s the story of a child who starts running, initially for food, then to leave the horrors of the partition behind, and then for his country. But the journey to become ‘the flying Sikh’ was long and hard, and that’s what this Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra film seeks to capture. Based on Milkha Singh’s autobiography, The Race Of My LIfe, the film has Farhan Akhtar looking and living the role of the legendary sprinter. What also sets the film apart is the way it does not shy away from showcasing the mistakes that Milkha made - a rare thing for a living legend in India.
Aadukalam (2011)
Now this is not technically a sport film. But rooster fighting is one of the most popular form of sports in suburban / rural India and Aadukalam explored the game and its movers and shakers - right from the skilled breeding and training of the roosters to the betting - like never before. With some very strong performances and a meticulously researched backdrop, the film went on to win six National Awards, including one for the best Tamil actor by Dhanush.
Egaro - The Immortal Eleven (2011)
On 29th July 1911, a “native” team of dhoti-clad, barefooted men played against the mighty East Yorkshire Regiment in Calcutta to achieve the impossible. Despite the unruly aggression on field from the British team - kicks from spiked boots being just one - the 11 legendary Mohun Bagan players won the IFA shield that day. The film, in the run up to the match, delves into the historical backdrop of the times, focusing on the growing anger and thirst for freedom among the youth for Swaraj which translated into the zeal to win. The football match had been nothing short of an open demonstration of nationalism. Egaro was made as part of the centennial celebration of the historic win and is a must watch.
Chak De! India (2007)
Easily one of the best films of Shah Rukh Khan’s career, Chak De! India told the unusual story of the building of and consequent success of a women’s hockey team. Quite apart from bringing the focus on women’s hockey and some very memorable performances, what really makes the film stand out is its deft handling of several significant issues - sexism in sports, sexual harassment, and religious as well as ethnic prejudices - without being preachy. Chak De! makes you root for the girls and will them to win.
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