World Cup 2023: MS Dhoni to 83, cricket-based films to binge-watch

Films and Cricket are the weakness of every Indian. It is said that cricket is not just a game but a religion in India. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is currently underway, and Indian fans are bleeding blue as they look forward to India lifting the cup after 12 The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is currently underway, and Indian fans are looking forward to India lifting the cup after 12 years. As team India is all set to play their first game in the tournament on Sunday (October 8) against Australia, we have listed down a few of cricket-based films that you can watch ahead of the match.

2 things you need to know

• There are over 20 films based on cricket across the Indian film industry.
• Lagaan, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, 83 and Azhar are among the few films.

A look at Cricket Biopics

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

(A still from the film | Image: IMDb)

Helmed by Neeraj Pandey, the film revolves around the life of former Indian captain MS Dhoni. The film stars late actor Sushant Singh Rajput as Dhoni. Actors Disha Patani, Kiara Advani and Anupam Kher are also seen in important roles. It chronicles Dhoni's career from facing major setbacks to becoming the only captain to lift the cup in ICC's all format.
 

Azhar (2016)

(A still from the film | Image: IMDb)

Helmed by Tony D'Souza, the film revolves around the former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Starring Emraan Hashmi, the film highlights all the major events of his life - starting from allegations of match-fixing, a life ban from playing cricket, an extramarital affair to facing nationwide criticism.
 

Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)

(A poster of the film | IMDb)

Indian documentary helmed by James Erskine and produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Shrikant Bhasi, the film revolves around the life of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. The film highlights his cricket career and personal life and offers a sneak peek of his life, which we have never seen or heard of before.
 

83 (2021)

(A poster of the film | Image: Instagram)

Helmed by Kabir Khan, the film is based on the historic day when the Kapil Dev-led Indian Cricket team won their maiden Cricket World Cup in 1983 over three-time champion West Indies. The film stars an ensemble cast of Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, Harrdy Sandhu and Ammy Virk, among others.
 

Beyond Cricket Biopics

Lagaan (2001)

(A still from the film | Image: IMDb)

It is considered one of the most iconic films helmed by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker. The film is set in 1893 during India's colonial British Raj. The film, starring Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh, in the lead revolves around a village in India, burdened by high taxes and several years of drought. Their only resort to avoid paying the taxes is to play a game of cricket against the Britishers.
 

Jersey (2019)

(A still from the film | Image: IMDb)

Helmed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film revolves around cricketer Arjun (played by actor Nani), who decides to return to cricket in his mid-30s to fulfil his son's wish for an Indian jersey. The Telugu film has been remade in Hindi, starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead role.
 

Patiala House (2011)

(A still from the film | Image: Prime Video)

Helmed by Nikkhil Advani, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles. The movie revolves around Gattu (Akshay Kumar), who wants to play for England but his father would never let him play for the country. However, with the help of his siblings, he does the impossible.