What is India’s biggest obsession? If your answer includes either cricket, Bollywood, or a combination of both, congratulations—you’re spot on! But what happens when these two passions collide? Pure cinematic magic! Cricket films hold a special place in every Indian’s heart, stirring deep emotions and nostalgia. Whether it’s the euphoric retelling of India’s 1983 World Cup victory in ’83’, the inspiring underdog stories in ‘Iqbal’ and ‘Ghoomer‘, or the thrilling biopics of cricketing legends like ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’, these films have given us unforgettable moments on the silver screen. But what exactly makes cricket movies such a roaring success? Let’s dive right in!
Cricket and Bollywood: A match made for the big screen
Cricket in India isn’t just a sport—it’s a religion, a festival, and an emotion all rolled into one. Bollywood, on the other hand, is the country’s daily dose of drama, inspiration, and entertainment. When these two worlds collide, the result is an unstoppable blockbuster! But is it enough just to put cricket in a film?
As actor and filmmaker Adinath Kothare, who starred in ’83’, tells ETimes, “Cricket is like the heartbeat of India. Everyone born in India has played cricket at some point in their life—whether it’s a boy or a girl, they’ve held a bat or a ball at least once. Cricket, films, and politics are the cornerstones of Indian entertainment. When you mix that with a beautifully written story and screenplay, it becomes guaranteed entertainment.”
From heart-racing finishes to soul-stirring moments, cricket films know exactly how to keep audiences hooked. Let’s break down what makes them so special.
Is Nostalgia enough? Reliving Cricket’s greatest moments (’83’, ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’)
Cricket films often take us on a nostalgic rollercoaster, recreating India’s most legendary sporting moments. And honestly—who doesn’t love reliving a historic victory? Take ’83’, for example. The film took audiences back to Kapil Dev’s iconic 1983 World Cup win, a moment that changed Indian cricket forever. Watching Ranveer Singh transform into Captain Kapil and lead the underdog team to glory? Goosebumps! And let’s not forget ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’. From his struggles as a ticket collector to smashing that legendary “Dhoni finishes off in style” six in the 2011 World Cup final—it’s a film that gives us chills every time!
Filmmaker R. Balki explains, “I believe that when making a film about such a popular sport—one that people watch day in and day out—you must present a new story or an unseen perspective. Simply showing cricket is not enough to captivate audiences. A film like ’83’ was significant because it depicted an iconic moment in Indian history, not just cricket history. It changed many things about India.”
The underdog effect: Everyone loves a fighter! (‘Iqbal’, ‘Lagaan’)
There’s one thing Indian audiences love more than a win—a win against all odds! Take ‘Iqbal’, for example. It tells the inspiring tale of a deaf and mute boy who dreams of playing for India. Despite countless obstacles, his passion and determination help him fight through. That final selection scene? Pure emotion!
Then there’s ‘Lagaan‘—the ultimate underdog story. This wasn’t just about winning a cricket match; it was about fighting for dignity! A group of villagers, with zero cricketing experience, challenge the British rulers, knowing that victory means freedom from crushing taxes. That intense final over, Bhuvan’s fearless leadership, the electrifying energy—’Lagaan’ wasn’t just a film, it was an experience!
R. Balki adds, “’Lagaan’ truly stands out because it did not use cricket in the conventional sense—it was about the story. The story is what truly matters. People don’t go to the cinema to watch cricket, they go to watch a compelling narrative.”
Explaining why he chose cricket as the central sport for his film ‘Ghoomer’, Balki further explains, “I am a cricket fan, and it is the game I know best. So when I write, I write about cricket. I think, whether it is cricket or another sport, there needed to be a significant challenge. If you lose a hand, you can still play football to some extent, but it wouldn’t create the same dramatic impact. With cricket, if you’re a bowler or a batsman, what do you do without a hand? It is a very difficult concept to research. Tennis could be another option, but when you’re trying to be inventive in overcoming a disability, the sport must be widely familiar so that people can appreciate the innovation. She is trying to create a new action to overcome her disability, and since cricket is a game that everybody in India knows—including every camera angle and every rule—it made sense.”
And that’s where the magic happens. When you mix that with a beautifully written story and screenplay, it becomes guaranteed entertainment.
Real stories vs Fiction: What connects more?
Some people love real-life cricket biopics, while others enjoy fictional cricket dramas. But which one resonates more with audiences? Balki shares, “As a cricket fan, I might look forward to reliving a particular moment, but I can watch the actual footage on YouTube. Why would I go to the cinema for that? With ‘ M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’, people did not watch it for his cricketing skills, they watched it for his story. Audiences want to know more than just the gameplay. Cricket is only 20% of such a film—the remaining 80% is the personal story.”
Kothare also believes storytelling is key, “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a biopic, a fictional story, or a documentary. The only thing that truly connects is a well-written screenplay and story. That’s what keeps people engaged.”
And he’s absolutely right! Whether it’s the real-life struggles of Dhoni or the fictional journey of Iqbal, the heart of the film lies in how deeply audiences connect with the characters.
The future of Cricket films: What’s next?
With so many legendary cricket films behind us, what’s next for this genre? Balki suggests, “The most important aspect is uncovering something unknown. If you make a film about the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy or the Gabba Test, is there something about that moment that people don’t know? That is what makes a film interesting. It’s about discovering hidden stories within historical events.”
Cricket films aren’t just about the sport—they’re about heart, grit, and dreams that never die. They capture the essence of India, where every street cricketer believes they can be the next Dhoni, and every underdog story feels personal. Whether it’s Kapil Dev’s 1983 triumph, Dhoni’s World Cup-winning six, or Iqbal’s relentless pursuit of his dream, these films remind us that victory isn’t just about talent—it’s about passion, belief, and perseverance.
As Adinath Kothare puts it, “Cricket is like the heartbeat of India… When you mix that with a beautifully written story and screenplay, it becomes guaranteed entertainment.” With the right mix of storytelling, emotions, and electrifying moments, cricket movies will continue to hit it out of the park—every single time!
