Bollywood has seen a recent surge in bold and experimental films featuring extraordinary story-lines and mind blowing narrations. One trend in particular that was seen throughout the last decade was that of sports biographies. Here, we look at five of the must watch sporting biographies from the last decade that are inspiring, thrilling and entertaining.
1. Dangal
The highest grossing bollywood film, Dangal encircled around the inspiring story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his dream of winning a gold medal for his country by training his daughters Geeta and Babita Phogat, defying social stigmas. This 2016 blockbuster, directed by Nitesh Tiwari with Aamir Khan as the protagonist was a beautiful description of the heights young girls and women can scale if they are provided with equal support and opportunities by their family and the society.
2. Paan Singh Tomar
One of the most iconic films ever made on a sportsperson, this biographical crime film based on the thrilling life story of Indian athlete Paan Singh Tomar captures his journey from being an Indian soldier to an accomplished athlete with 7 time Steeplechase title in 1950s and 60s to then becoming a rebel against the system and a wanted dacoit after a family property dispute. This Tigmanshu Dhulia directed masterpiece won Best feature film in the 60th National Film Awards 2012 with legendary actor Irrfan Khan winning the National Award for his brilliant acting.
3. Bhag Milkha Bhag
Bhag Milkha Bhag is a 2013 Biographical account of the life of one of India's most iconic sporting figures and World Champion athlete Milkha Singh, also nicknamed as the 'Flying Sikh'. The movie is a captivating saga of the struggles and personal traumas he overcame to go on and become India's most celebrated athlete. Inspired by his autobiography 'The Race Of My Life', the Rakesh Omprakash Mehra directorial received both critical and commercial accolades.
4. Mary Kom
This 2014 sports drama is based on the life of Padma Vibhushan and Olympic bronze medalist Mangte Chugneijang Mary Kom and her aspiration of becoming a professional boxer amidst objections & hardships forced by her father and the society. The Omung Kumar film with Priyanka Chopra in the title role left a massive impact on the audiences for its realistic and heart touching narration along with winning the National Award.
5. Budhia Singh – Born to Run
Directed by Soumendra Padhi with Manoj Bajpayee as coach Biranchi, this 2016 biography that chronicles the life of Budhia Singh (played by Mayur Patole) the Superboy from Odisha and world's youngest marathon runner who ran 48 marathons while only being 5 year old presents a balanced account of a controversial topics relating to dope tests and child exploitation. The movie won the prestigious National Award for Best Children's Film at the 63rd National Awards in 2016.
