6 Must-watch Bollywood movies based on Cricket as India begins World Cup journey

New Delhi: Indian cricket has always been a force to be reckoned with in the world cup. The team has won the tournament twice, in 1983 and 2011, and has consistently performed well in the competition. Bollywood movies have also played a significant role in popularizing cricket in India. Films like Lagaan, 83, and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story have been hugely successful and have helped to increase the popularity of the sport.

Here are few Bollywood movies based on cricket:

1. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is a biographical sports film based on the life of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The movie stars Sushant Singh Rajput as Dhoni, along with Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, and Anupam Kher in supporting roles. The film covers Dhoni’s journey from his childhood in Ranchi to his rise as the captain of the Indian cricket team. It highlights the struggles and challenges he faced, both on and off the field. The movie is relevant to cricket fans worldwide and showcases the importance of hard work and perseverance.

2. Jersey

Jersey is a sports drama movie that has been adapted from the 2019 Telugu film of the same title. The movie is directed by Gowtam Naidu Tinnanuri and features Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur in the lead roles. The film tells the story of a gifted yet unsuccessful cricketer who decides to make a comeback to the sport in his thirties to fulfill his son’s dream. It portrays the struggles and challenges he faces while attempting to revive his cricketing career and how he overcomes them to achieve success. The movie is a heartfelt and inspiring tale that showcases the power of perseverance and determination.

3. Lagaan

Lagaan is an epic sports drama film set in colonial India during the British Raj. The movie stars Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, and Rachel Shelley in lead roles. Lagaan revolves around a group of villagers who challenge their British rulers to a game of cricket in order to avoid paying a hefty tax. The film highlights the power of unity and perseverance in the face of oppression. Lagaan is relevant to cricket fans worldwide and showcases the sport’s cultural significance in India.

4. 83

The movie 83 is a sports drama film based on the Indian cricket team’s historic win at the 1983 World Cup. The cast includes Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev, Deepika Padukone as Romi Dev, and other talented actors like Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, and Jatin Sarna. The film portrays the struggles and challenges faced by the team during their journey to victory. With its cricket relevance, the movie is a tribute to the legendary Indian cricketers who brought glory to the nation. It is a must-watch for all cricket enthusiasts and lovers of sports dramas.

5. Dil Bole Hadippa

Dil Bole Hadippa is a Bollywood romantic comedy film starring Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapoor in lead roles. The movie revolves around a young woman who disguises herself as a man to play cricket and fulfill her dream of representing her village in a local tournament. Dil Bole Hadippa showcases the gender barriers that exist in cricket and highlights the importance of breaking them down. The film is relevant to cricket fans worldwide and showcases the sport’s growing popularity among women in India.

6. Patiala House

Patiala House is a Bollywood movie released in 2011. The movie is directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Mukesh Talreja, Krishan Kumar, and Twinkle Khanna. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Hard Kaur in lead roles. The movie revolves around a young man who dreams of playing cricket for England but faces opposition from his family. The film highlights the struggles of an Indian family living in London and how they cope with racism and cultural differences. The movie has strong cricket relevance as it showcases the passion and love for cricket among Indians living abroad.