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Azhar, Sachin and MS Dhoni—it’s not just the cricket anymore, but even the lives of cricketers. Much before Bollywood’s new-found love for biopics took over, there were many films based on cricket. Who can forget Lagaan? Cinema with true Bollywood flavor, where the cricket match was just what it generally is for any Indian — a do-or-die situation! Little wonder, when Sachin was asked as to who could play him, “There is a direct connect because he has already played a cricketer in Lagaan and Aamir Khan is a wonderful actor.” For those, who feel like starting a marathon cricket experience on celluloid, five movies where cricket plays the hero in the script!
Lagaan
A film that connected on several counts; cricket—not our native game, still it means a lot. As for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s reel cricket team, it pretty much summed up our country’s players, coming from colourful backgrounds battling all sorts of hurdles. A poultry farmer, a seamer, a potter…and what not coming together to play the match their lives.
Ferrari Ki Sawaari
Well, there is a little boy who thinks of nothing but cricket; then there is Sachin Tendulkar in the script and even his famous red Ferrari. Anyway back to the little boy; his school organises a cricket camp that would send students to the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and a chance to play with Sachin Tendulkar. There’s not enough money! What to do? How about stealing Sachin’s Ferrari! Even off the screen, cricket and Bollywood has always had a mutual love affair!
Iqbal
The coming-of-age sports drama might have released 12 years ago, but its relevance stays intact - a story of dreams, hope and hard work. A deaf and mute boy, obsessed with cricket, goes all out to fulfill his dream of playing for the Indian cricket team. Isn’t that dream shared by a million teenagers in the country? In comes, a local drunkard, a great ex-cricketer for coach and village buffaloes for fielders! Critics’ approval, audience appreciation and a National Award followed.
Say Salaam India
Stumped? Yes, they did make a movie by the name Say Salaam India back in 2007. The film, starring Sanjay Suri, Milind Soman and Sandhya Mridul could just be one of the surprise entertainers just because they garner zero expectations. While Sanjay Suri plays a cricket fanatic, Milind Soman essays the role of a tech-savvy player. The film charts the journey of four cricket crazy boys, who are denied a place in the team because the management wants to promote wrestling.
Patiala House
When in India, you can either hate cricket, or love it, you can’t ignore it. The 2011 Akshay Kumar and Rishi Kapoor-starrer features a father who hates the idea of his son playing for England cricket team. Southall, cricket and England; they all come together in the movie.
—Manpriya Singh