India is a nation that gets hyped up for sports. Sports biopics have been a part of Indian cinema for a long time now. In recent times, there have been films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Paan Singh Tomar and Mary Kom that set the trend and style to follow.
Here is a list of 7 upcoming sports biopics expected to stream on OTT this year:
1. Chakda ‘Xpress
Chakda ‘Xpress tells the story of Jhulan Goswami and her journey to take the most number of wickets in ODIs. Goswami is also the joint-highest wicket-taker in the history of the Women’s ICC World Cup with Australia’s Lynn Fullston at 39 wickets.
Anushka Sharma will be playing Jhulan in the film. The film shows Jhulan rising up the misogynistic politics around her, to build a successful sports career. The film will be released on Netflix.
2. Shabaash Mithu
The film is based on the inspiring life of Mithali Raj, an Indian batter who has the most international runs in women’s ODIs. She has played international cricket for 23 years.
Mithali Raj, today, announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket. The film features Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. This biopic venture is being directed by Rahul Dholakia.
Here is the teaser of the film.
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3. Maidaan
The biopic is based on the life of Syed Abdul Rahim, who coached the Indian football team from 1950 to 1963. It was under his coaching that team India became the first-ever Asian team to reach the semi-finals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Football tournament.
In the film, the character of Syed Abdul Rahim will be played by Ajay Devgn. “Maidaan, A story that will resonate with every Indian, a film that I feel very strongly about. Mark the date on your calendar. Releasing worldwide on 3rd June 2022,” he tweeted.
Maidaan, A story that will resonate with every Indian, a film that I feel very strongly about. Mark the date on your calendar. Releasing worldwide on 3rd June, 2022. pic.twitter.com/bmHM2sf8qm
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 30, 2021
4. Sourav Ganguly Biopic
Sourav Ganguly himself confirmed the upcoming biopic on his life. The film is being produced under the banner of Luv Ranjan Films.
Cricket has been my life, it gave confidence and ability to walk forward with my head held high, a journey to be cherished.
Thrilled that Luv Films will produce a biopic on my journey and bring it to life for the big screen ??@LuvFilms @luv_ranjan @gargankur @DasSanjay1812— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) September 9, 2021
The former Indian captain has led India to numerous victories, including the famous victory at the Natwest Trophy finals.
5. Abhinav Bindra Biopic
The life of the Olympic gold medallist is being made into a movie. Harshvardhan Kapoor will be seen in the role of shooter Abhinav Bindra. The film is based on Bindra’s autobiography titled, A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold and Beyond.
“It is not a rags-to-riches story. He has had a certain privileged upbringing. But just because you are privileged doesn’t mean everything is easy. Also, because you have access to a shooting range doesn’t mean you are going to go for the Olympics and win a gold medal,” Hrshvardhan Kapoor told PTI.
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6. Dingko Singh Biopic
The film is being made about the life of Dingko Singh, a fine Indian boxer who passed away after losing a battle with liver cancer. He was an inspiration to boxers like Mary Kom. The boxer won an Asia Games gold in 1988.
The film is being produced by Shahid Kapoor, he will also be seen playing the lead role. The film is being directed by Raja Krishna Menon.
7. Bhaichung Bhutia Biopic
It has been a long time since Bhaichung Bhutia’s biopic was announced. The footballer’s biopic was announced 3 years ago when the lead actor and the director were not finalised. Filmmaker Anand Kumar will be making the film.
“I am honoured that people feel that my journey is worth capturing for the big screen. I am certain that Anand will do justice to my story. I hail from a small town in Sikkim, but playing football for India wasn’t my only dream. I always wanted to own a professional football club and I realised that dream with United Sikkim,” Bhaichung said. Bhaichung Bhutia is the man who brought International recognition to Indian football, it will surely be an interesting venture.
