Bollywood’s long and illustrious connection with sports is well known. Over the years, we’ve had a number of sports dramas that have eventually turned out to be massive box office hits.

This year, Dangal is set to join the league and from the looks of it, it’s already being touted as one of Aamir Khan’s best films. The film has been garnering rave reviews in its special screenings and is all set to make and break records this year.

So while Dangal is set to release this Christmas, here’s taking a look at 5 films that have captured India’s love for sports and athletics.

Chak De! India

Shah Rukh Khan plays Kabir Khan, who is a former hockey star and has been tainted as someone who betrayed his own country. He begins coaching the Indian women’s hockey team to prove the world wrong and display his loyalty towards the nation.

Iqbal

Starring Shreyas Talpade, Nagesh Kukunoor’s Iqbal was a beautifully etched story about a deaf and mute boy who has dreams of making it into the Indian cricket team. He is heartbroken when he isn’t selected and decides to train under a retired coach who ensures he fulfils his goal.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

In this poignant sports drama, Farhan Akhtar donned the role of Milkha Singh, also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’, who overcomes a number of obstacles to become an Olympian and one of India’s most celebrated athletes.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

Based on the life of Captain Cool MS Dhoni, this biopic was one of the biggest grossers of 2016 and became a turning point for Sushant Singh Rajput’s career in Bollywood.

Mary Kom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Based on a true story and starring Priyanka Chopra, this biopic focused on Mary Kom’s encounter with a renowned coach in a boxing gym where she shares her aspirations and also convinces him to teach her. And with this, begins her successful journey as a boxer who follows her passion, despite her father’s disapproval.