Hit Or Flop: How Bollywood Sports Biopics Have Fared Amid ‘Chandu Champion’ Release
Amid the release of Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’, we decided to take a look at how some popular Bollywood sports biopics have fared at the box office.
The Hindi film industry, one of the largest in the world, has a rich history of delivering captivating stories that have entertained viewers for generations. Not just stories, but music and dance sequences also play a huge role in Bollywood movies. From epic love stories to rib-tickling comedies and action-packed entertainers, the Hindi film industry has something in store for everyone. What sets Bollywood apart from other film industries is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions – from laughter to tears, from joy to heartbreak, and more – in just a single viewing experience. Bollywood movies have the ability to transport their viewers to a different world altogether, thanks to the huge sets, catchy music, killer dance numbers, and memorable performances.
Apart from entertaining the audiences, some Bollywood movies are also thought-provoking and inspiring. They are also a reflection of our society, addressing relevant issues and sparking important conversations. With its powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances, Bollywood has the ability to inspire, provoke, and unite viewers. Whether it's the timeless charm of iconic actors or the innovative storytelling of emerging talents, each Bollywood movie offers a unique experience that resonates with audiences across generations.
One genre that has consistently captured the hearts of Indian audiences is sports-based films. These movies not only celebrate the spirit of competition but also shed light on the remarkable journeys of athletes and what they went through in life to achieve global domination. What adds more to these films is the dedication and transformation of actors to essay the role of these sportspersons.
Recently, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan came out with his new Hindi movie ‘Chandu Champion’, directed by Kabir Khan. The new Hindi movie marked Kartik Aaryan’s first collaboration with Kabir Khan, known for helming movies like ‘Kabul Express’, ‘New York’, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ‘83’.
Based on the life of India's first Paralympic gold medalist in swimming, Murlikant Petkar, the sports biopic opened to rave reviews and has been performing decently well at the box office. So far, the film has minted Rs 35.25 crore in India. Kartik Aaryan underwent a drastic physical transformation and gave up sugar for over a year to achieve the desired look for his character.
‘Chandu Champion’ also stars Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Bhuvan Arora, Palak Lalwani and Adonis Kapsalis. Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, ‘Chandu Champion’ was released in cinemas on June 14, 2024.
Amid the release of Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’, we decided to take a look at how some popular Bollywood sports biopics have fared at the box office.
Without further ado, check out the list here:
1. ‘Maidaan’: Ajay Devgn, known for playing diverse roles across varying genres, came out with a sports biopic titled ‘Maidaan’. The film released on the occasion of Eid 2024 in April and clashed with Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff’s ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ at the box office. Directed by Amit Sharma of ‘Badhaai Ho’ fame, ‘Maidaan’ is based on the life of Syed Abdul Rahim, a legendary football coach who is often credited with transforming the Indian national football team during the 1950s and 1960s. Ajay Devgn essayed the role of Syed Abdul Rahim, who led the Indian team to several historic victories, including winning the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. The narrative of ‘Maidaan’ focused on Rahim’s journey, his challenges, and his contribution to Indian football, which earned him the title of the ‘Architect of Modern Indian Football’. The film, co-starring Nitanshi Goel, Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, Rudranil Ghosh and more, is produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Arunava Joy Sengupta, and Akash Chawla.
Box office performance: While ‘Maidaan’ garnered positive reviews from critics, the film didn’t perform as expected at the box office. The film managed to mint Rs 53.54 crore in India and Rs 71.72 crore worldwide.
Currently streaming: Amazon Prime Video
2. 'Shabaash Mithu’: The 2022 Hindi movie, starring Taapsee Pannu in the lead role, revolved around the life of Mithali Raj, the former captain of the Indian women's cricket team. The sports biopic is directed by Srijit Mukherji and produced by Viacom18 Studios. Apart from featuring Taapsee Pannu as Mithali Raj, the movie also starred Vijay Raaz, Devadarshni Chetan, Brijendra Kala, Asad Ali Palijo, Sameer Dharmadhikari and more. The film charted the journey of Mithali Raj from her childhood days to her rise as the captain of the Indian women's cricket team. It also perfectly highlighted her struggles, the gender biases she faced, and her ultimate triumphs in the sport. Taapsee Pannu's portrayal of Mithali Raj was widely appreciated. Critics praised her dedication to the role, her effort to master the nuances of cricket, and her ability to bring depth and authenticity to the character.
Box office performance: While the film was lauded for Taapsee's performance, it faced criticism for its screenplay and pacing. Some reviewers felt that the narrative could have been tighter and more engaging to do justice to Mithali Raj's inspiring story. ‘Shabaash Mithu’ also struggled at the box office, grossing only Rs 2.23 crore in India.
Currently streaming: Netflix
3. ‘Jhund’: The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, released in March 2022. Written and directed by Nagraj Manjule, the 2022 Hindi biographical sports film is based on the life of a retired sports teacher Vijay Barse, also the founder of NGO Slum Soccer. The movie showed Vijay Barse’s (Amitabh Bachchan) inspiring journey as he formed a soccer team of underprivileged children from slums, helping them find purpose and direction through sports. In the movie, the veteran actor's character takes on the difficult task of training the teenagers in order to keep them away from drugs and crime. The movie is produced by T-Series, Tandav Films Entertainment Pvt.Ltd and Aatpat Films. Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, the movie also starred Akash Thosar and Rinku Rajguru in key roles. Big B’s portrayal of Vijay Barse was highly acclaimed. Critics lauded his ability to embody the character with immense sincerity, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Box office performance: ‘Jhund’, which received positive reviews from critics, failed to mint money at the box office. The sports biopic made Rs 14.7 crore in India and Rs 23 crore worldwide.
Currently streaming: ZEE5
4. ‘83’: This movie starred Ranveer Singh as former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev and released in December 2021. The sports film perfectly chronicled India's iconic win in the 1983 Cricket World Cup when Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian cricket team. The film, directed by Kabir Khan, was produced by Reliance Entertainment, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Vibri Media and Phantom Films. Apart from Ranveer Singh, the film also starred Deepika Padukone as Kapil Dev’s wife Romi Dev. It also featured Pankaj Tripathi, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, Jatin Sarna, Chirag Patil, Harrdy Sandhu, Ammy Virk, Sahil Khattar, and more. The film recreated the journey of the Indian cricket team leading up to their historic win in the 1983 World Cup, focusing on the obstacles they overcame. For the unversed, India achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the mighty West Indies in the final at Lord's. This historic win is often referred to as India's ‘Cup of Glory’. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev was highly lauded as he immersed himself in the role, adopting Kapil Dev's distinctive mannerisms, accent, and cricketing style.
Box office performance: The Kabir Khan directorial received widespread critical acclaim for its detailed and heartfelt portrayal of an influential moment in Indian sports history. ‘83’, which released during the COVID-19 pandemic, was somewhat impacted by it. The movie made Rs 107.31 crore in India and Rs 193 crore globally.
Currently streaming: Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar
5. ‘Saina’: The biographical sports drama film, centered on the life of Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal, starred Parineeti Chopra in the lead role. The movie, which released in March 2021, was directed by Amole Gupte and produced under the banners of T-Series and Front Foot Pictures. Apart from Parineeti Chopra, the 2021 Hindi movie also featured Paresh Rawal, Manav Kaul, Meghna Malik, Subhrajyoti Barat, Eshan Naqvi, and Ankur Vikal, among many more. The film chronicled the journey of Saina Nehwal from her childhood in Haryana to becoming one of the top badminton players in the world. Parineeti Chopra's portrayal of Saina Nehwal was met with mixed reactions. Critics praised her dedication to the role and the effort she put into capturing Saina's persona, including training in badminton to look authentic on screen. However, some felt that her performance did not completely capture the essence of Saina Nehwal.
Box office performance: ‘Saina’ received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the film for its inspirational story and Parineeti Chopra's earnest performance, others felt that the screenplay lacked depth and could have been more engaging. ‘Saina’ tanked at the box office, only making Rs 1.1 crore in India and Rs 1.5 crore worldwide.
Currently streaming: Amazon Prime Video
6. ‘Saand Ki Aankh’: The movie, which released in October 2019, starred Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles. The sports biographical drama film delved into the inspiring lives of sharpshooters Chandro Tomar and Prakashi Tomar, portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu respectively. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani and produced by Anurag Kashyap, Reliance Entertainment, and Nidhi Parmar, the film narrated the incredible journey of Chandro and Prakashi Tomar, two elderly women from rural Uttar Pradesh who discover their talent for sharpshooting in their 60s. Despite facing societal norms and family opposition, they defied odds to become renowned sharpshooters, winning numerous championships and inspiring generations with their determination. Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar’s compelling performances were widely appreciated for their authenticity and depth. Apart from Taapsee and Bhumi, the movie also featured Prakash Jha, Vineet Kumar Singh, Shaad Randhawa, Pawan Chopra, and Nikhil Srivastava.
Box office performance: Critically acclaimed for its engaging narrative and powerful performances, ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ received praise for shedding light on the lesser-known but significant achievements of older women in sports. While ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ garnered positive reviews, its box office performance was moderate. The film made Rs 23.67 crore in India and Rs 31 crore worldwide.
Currently streaming: ZEE5
7.‘Dangal’: When one talks about Hindi sports biopics, Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ easily tops the list. Aamir Khan portrayed the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach who trains his daughters Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat to become world-class wrestlers. The movie starred Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh as Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat, respectively. The movie perfectly showcased their struggles, training regimen, and eventual triumphs. The movie was written and directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, and Siddharth Roy Kapur. Apart from Aamir Khan, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh, the 2016 Hindi movie also starred Sakshi Tanwar, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Aparshakti Khurana and more. Aamir Khan, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh’s performances were widely praised by audiences and critics alike.
Box office performance: ‘Dangal’ was a massive critical and commercial success. It received praise for its direction, performances, and inspiring storyline. The film's portrayal of the Phogat family's perseverance, the father-daughter relationship, and the empowerment of women through sports resonated deeply with audiences. The movie minted Rs 387.38 crore in India and Rs 2070 crore worldwide.
Currently Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
8. ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’: The Hindi sports biopic, starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, was released in cinemas in September 2016. The movie was directed by Neeraj Pandey, known for helming films like ‘A Wednesday’ and ‘Baby’. Produced by Arun Pandey and Fox Star Studios, the biographical sports film told the story of Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Apart from Sushant Singh Rajput, the film also starred Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher, Bhumika Chawla, Rajesh Sharma and Kumud Mishra. The movie chronicled Dhoni's early life in Ranchi, his days as a ticket collector with Indian Railways, his struggles and breakthroughs in cricket, and his rise to prominence as the captain of the Indian cricket team. It also delved into his personal life, relationships, and the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming one of India's beloved sporting icons. Sushant Singh Rajput received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as he perfectly captured the cricketer’s mannerisms, style of playing, and emotional depth.
Box office performance: The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its engaging storytelling and Sushant Singh Rajput's performance. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over Rs 133 crore in India and Rs 215 crore globally.
Currently streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
9. ‘Mary Kom’: One of Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ most iconic movies till date is undoubtedly ‘Mary Kom’. The biographical sports film, based on the life of the Indian boxer Mary Kom, was directed by Omung Kumar. It was produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Bhansali Productions and the movie was released on September 5, 2014. Apart from Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the 2014 Hindi movie also starred Darshan Kumaar, Shishir Sharma, Sunil Thapa, and Zachary Coffin, among many others. The film portrayed the journey of Mary Kom, from her childhood in Manipur to becoming a renowned boxer, despite various challenges and societal expectations. Priyanka Chopra's portrayal of Mary Kom was widely praised for her dedication and commitment to the role. She underwent extensive physical training to depict the boxing sequences.
Box office performance: While the movie was widely praised for its inspiring storyline and impeccable acting performances, ‘Mary Kom’ was also at the centre of a controversy for its casting choice, with some calling out the decision to cast Priyanka Chopra Jonas instead of an actor from the northeast. The 2014 Hindi sports biopic performed well at the box office, making Rs 56.30 crore in India and Rs 91.33 crore globally.
Currently streaming: Netflix
10. ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’: Saving the best for the last! Farhan Akhtar’s 2013 Hindi movie ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ remains iconic. The biographical sports drama film focused on the life of the Indian athlete Milkha Singh, also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’. The movie, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and produced by Rajiv Tandon, Raghav Bahl, Maitreyee Dasgupta, Madhav Roy Kapur, Rachvin Narula, Shyam P.S, Navneet Singh, and P. S. Bharathi under the banners Rakesh Omprakash Mehra Pictures, and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Apart rom Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh, the movie also starred Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Pavan Malhotra, Yograj Singh and Prakash Raj. The film revolved around the life of Milkha Singh, starting from his childhood during the Partition of India, his struggles as a refugee, and eventually his rise as a world-renowned athlete. Farhan Akhtar's portrayal of Milkha Singh received widespread acclaim. He underwent rigorous physical training to portray the athlete's role.
Box office performance: The film was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over Rs 108.80 crore in India and Rs 168 crore worldwide.
Currently streaming: Amazon Prime Video
While these are just some of the most popular Bollywood sports biopics, if you are in the mood to watch more of them, you can also see ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, ‘Soorma’, ‘Gold’, ‘Azhar’, ‘Budhia Singh: Born To Run’ and ‘Saala Khadoos’.
