Sitting inside the theatre for the first show of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, the atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of the bustling energy of a packed cricket stadium. It felt as though the crowd’s cheers were anticipating the highlight moments—fours, sixes, and stunning wicket-keeping dismissals—encapsulating Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s cricketing genius. This vivid depiction parallels Dhoni’s journey, striking a chord with cricket enthusiasts and filmgoers alike.
Bollywood has a long-standing affinity for the sports biopic genre, leveraging significant budgets and the vast reach of Hindi cinema. However, like an overused storyline, the genre has become somewhat diluted, with recent offerings lacking a distinct identity. Yet, in 2016, Neeraj Pandey’s MS Dhoni: The Untold Story broke this monotony with a meticulously crafted narrative, chronicling the cricketing legend’s extraordinary journey. The film stands out as a quintessential Indian sports biopic, blending entertainment with a relatable story arc.
Director Neeraj Pandey faced the delicate challenge of portraying MS Dhoni—a man known for his reserved demeanor off the field—beyond his press conference statements and ceremonial speeches. The film’s success was significantly buoyed by the stellar performance of Sushant Singh Rajput, who not only captured Dhoni’s physical nuances but also mirrored his trademark composure and magnanimity.
Released when Dhoni was a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL) even as his national career waned, the film resonated deeply with audiences, particularly younger viewers who flocked to theaters. This widespread appeal underscored the connection fans have with Dhoni, elevating the film’s success.
In contrast, Kabir Khan’s 83, despite its historical significance, didn’t evoke the same level of enthusiasm among the younger demographic. This discrepancy could be attributed to a generational disconnect from the events of 1983. It was evident when a college student, unfamiliar with the outcome of the 1983 Cricket World Cup final, reacted with sheer disbelief at the dismissal of a key Indian batsman during a screening. It begs the question: Are modern audiences less interested in the sporting triumphs of yesteryears?
Nevertheless, 83 is a cinematic marvel, faithfully recreating one of India’s most monumental cricketing victories. The film’s casting is impeccable, and the re-enactment of pivotal sporting moments is both accurate and stirring.
. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev—the quintessential underdog who led India to an unimaginable World Cup victory through sheer determination and resilience—is truly commendable.
Shifting the focus beyond the cricket field, Paan Singh Tomar is another exceptional biopic that deserves mention. Starring Irrfan Khan, the film was lauded for highlighting a lesser-known sport, steeplechase, and the tragic tale of a gifted athlete turned rebel. This movie is frequently cited as one of Khan’s finest performances, shedding light on the paradox of an athlete’s fall from grace due to societal and systemic neglect.
The rags-to-riches motif is a recurring theme in sports biopics, offering compelling narratives of individuals overcoming immense challenges. Cinderella Man, detailing the life of boxing champion James J. Braddock, and King Richard, featuring Will Smith as the father and coach of tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams, provide standout examples of such inspiring tales.
However, it’s not just the triumphs but also the intense rivalries that make sports narratives captivating. Rush, depicting the fierce competition between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, and Borg vs McEnroe, illustrating the on-court and off-court battles between tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, offer insights into the psychological and physical rigors athletes endure in the quest for supremacy.
Looking ahead, the sports biopic genre in Indian cinema promises to evolve, bringing new stories to the forefront. There’s a growing anticipation for films showcasing the valiant tales of sports icons from southern India. A biopic on Rahul Dravid, known as the ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket and his recent triumph as a coach leading India to a World Cup win, would be a riveting addition to the genre.
In summary, sports biopics continue to captivate audiences, not only by recounting victories and rivalries but by offering deeply human stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph. As the genre evolves, fresh narratives and underrepresented sports will undoubtedly emerge, enriching the tapestry of sports cinema.
/The Hindu cinema team regularly brings curated recommendations of films and shows aligned with various moods, themes, or pop culture events.
