Cricket is undoubtedly the most popular game in India, as it is even considered religion to most. While other sports are also on the rise in the nation, it is cricket that always takes the center stage.
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The sport in India has had a long-standing connection with Bollywood, as many celebrities are known to be united with the sport in some manner, be it as a player or team owner. Meanwhile, the industry has also produced a number of movies to date, revolving around the sport.
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Not all cricketing movies have gone on to become super-hit. But, some have impressed the audience so much that not just the box-office, they have been an international hit as well. In the same light, we take a look at some of the greatest cricket movies ever produced by Bollywood to date, which are sure to melt your heart.
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Lagaan: Undoubtedly, the first name that would come to one's mind is the legendary movie Lagaan. Primarily starring Aamir Khan, the movie had some international actors as well. The movie is based during India under British rule, as some farmers from a village are being challenged by the British army to a game of cricket, in order for the former's taxes to be levied. As the challenge is accepted, the movie depicts the struggle and challenges the villagers go through, as they play the sport for the first time against the inventors. We don't want to spoil the end result. Better, watch it for yourself, as the movie was even nominated for the Oscars.
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Iqbal: The next best movie has to be Iqbal. Starring Shreyas Talpade and Naseeruddin Shah, the movie revolves around the son (Talpade) of a farmer, who is hearing impaired and dumb but loves cricket more than anything. While his physical limitations put his selection in doubt, a retired coach (Shah) helps him out in the best possible way to achieve his dreams, despite his conniving father not in favour of it.
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Jannat: If you love cricket and controversies surrounding it, this is the perfect one for you. Starring Emran Hashmi and Sonal Chauhan, the movie Jannat is about a gambler (Hashmi), who becomes a bookie and bets on cricket matches, based on his sixth sense predictions. However, his lust to earn more compels him to enter the dark world of match-fixing, as his life goes haywire thereon, thereby affecting his love life as well.
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Patiala House: Starring Akshay Kumar, the movie revolves around an Indian cricketer, who is selected by an English team. Meanwhile, his father his not in favour of him playing in England, or the sport itself. As he makes a decision to choose between his dreams or father's wish, he also faces racial discrimination for playing in England. The story is loosely based on former English cricketer Monty Panesar and his struggles to play in England.
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Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii: An interesting comedy movie based on cricket, as the story involves an orphan (Zain Khan), who wishes to find a family, besides making a name for himself in cricket. He happens to come across a bat, which supposedly holds magic powers. Owing to some brilliant performances through the bat, he gets a chance in the Indian team and is an overnight sensation. The bat belongs to none other than Kapil Dev. However, once the bat breaks, he doubts his potential and spot in the side, as team skipper (Rahul Bose) helps him realise it.
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Azhar: Another starter by Hashmi, the movie revolves around the story of former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. It is mostly based on his match-fixing controversy in 2000 that led to him receiving a life ban from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The movie went on to become a box-office hit.
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MS Dhoni- The Untold Story: Saving the best for the last, as the name suggests, it is all about the life and journey of former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, played by late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. It depicts his expedition from Patna to a Ticket Collector in Kharagpur, before touring the world and hitting the 2011 ICC World Cup-winning six in Mumbai.
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