Sports biopics are seriously going for gold this season

Both, in India and across the world, sports biopics have always made for an interesting watch. Recently, a new biopic on the life of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has also been announced. While it is currently still in the pre-production phase, the biopic is reportedly titled Jersey No.18. Long before Virat though, there has always been something compelling about biopics that are universally loved. Whether it's the motivation that they lend or the inspiration behind the stories they tell; sports biopics are often an award season favourite and are equally well-loved by audience. Christy, which premiered at the recent Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), has been praised specifically for Sydney Sweeney's performance in the film and The Smashing Machine was honoured with a 15-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere, which left Dwayne Johnson teary-eyed. The allure of a good sports saga is truly unmatched so let's take a look at 10 sports biopics from Bollywood and Hollywood, beginning with the latest two which are set to release this year.

1. Christy 

Christy is the story of American boxing icon Christy Martin, portrayed by Sydney Sweeney. After opening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Christy garnered considerable Oscar buzz, with praise for the physical and emotional transformation that Sweeney underwent for the role. The 27-year-old actress gained more than 30 pounds, which is around 13 kg for the role. 

2. The Smashing Machine 

The Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt starrer The Smashing Machine is based on the life of MMA legend Mark Kerr. It has earned Benny Safdie the Silver Lion honour for Best Director and even before its release, has moved audiences with its gritty portrayal of Kerr's internal and external battles. 

3. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

The movie follows the life of Milkha Singh, who was dubbed as the 'Flying Sikh' by Pakistani president Ayub Khan for the speed at which the athlete ran. With a personal life that was marked by tragedy in a partition-ravaged childhood, the star athlete led himself to Olympic glory. Far more than a sports film, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a stirring triumph of the human spirit. Farhan Akhtar and Divya Dutta's raw performances made every audience member tear up and its bittersweet ending surrounding the India-Pakistan Partition left them with something to mull over. 

4. Raging Bull

Martin Scorsese’s raw and visceral study of boxer Jake LaMotta is the definition of cinematic excellence. Starring Robert DeNiro as the lead, the movie is not just a boxing biopic, but also a haunting on-screen reflection about jealousy, rage, and redemption. 

5. Mary Kom

Priyanka Chopra portrayed the role of indomitable Indian boxer Mary Kom, which sparked controversy due to the missed opportunity for Northeastern representation as Mary hailed from Manipur, a state in Northeastern India. Showcasing Mary’s fight in the ring and at home; the balancing of athletic dreams with family responsibilities, struck a chord with audiences nationwide.

6. Ford v Ferrari

American automotive designer, Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver, Ken Miles battled corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they work to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. The movie delivers all the polished auto action audiences will expect, and balances it with enough gripping human drama to satisfy non-racing enthusiasts.

7. Dangal

Inspired by Indian wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, this film chronicles his relentless training of his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become national champions. It’s an empowering narrative about fighting patriarchy that is deep-seated in Indian society and a man's challenging tale that is told with authenticity and emotion by Aamir Khan. Phogat, who is initially seen as a villain by his daughters; is later seen as an outstanding father who risks everything for the success of his family. 

8. Moneyball

Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane captures the cerebral revolution in baseball through analytics. It’s a smart, emotionally resonant film about redefining the game, pitching courage over charisma, and changing sports forever.

9. I, Tonya

Margot Robbie portrays the role of competitive ice skater Tonya Harding, who rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband, Jeff (Sebastian Stan), intervenes. Her's is a tale of both excellency is sports and a downfall that has no way out. 

10. M.S Dhoni

The Sushant Rajput-starrer tells the real-life story and struggles of Team India's Captain Cool, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The movie balances resilience, heartbreak and the human spirit, leaving the audiences behind with an inspiring tale.