‘Shabaash Mithu’ To ‘Dangal’, Here Are 5 Biopics On Indian Female Athletes That Are Quite Inspiring!

Living in a country with so many days dedicated to various special events and people of the past is indeed enriching. Given the fast-paced life we are currently living, it is challenging to know all about the important people in history and their valuable contributions to the fields they were experts in. Today is August 29, which is celebrated as National Sports day in India. This day is commemorated for India’s hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand. And speaking of sports, the recently held Commonwealth Games 2022 at Birmingham saw several of our Indian athletes performing great and winning medals for the country.

Films have also been made about athletes to shed light on their life and the struggles they had to face to get where they are. I feel such films are as important as other cinematic projects to give the audience information about athletes. Male athletes are given much recognition and lauded for their achievements but that does not so happen for female athletes. Therefore, on National Sports Day, here are biopics made on female athletes that are a must-watch.

Mary Kom

This 2014 film is based on the eponymous Indian boxer. The film showed how Mary followed her passion for boxing despite her father’s disapproval. The film highlights her rise from being a rice farmer’s daughter to one of the top boxers in the world. Priyanka Chopra played the protagonist in the movie.

Dangal

This 2016 movie is based on the life of the senior Olympics coach Mahavir Singh Phogat. The movie focuses on how he decides to push his daughters, Geeta and Babita into wrestling after they come home one day after beating up two boys in their neighbourhood. Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra essayed the roles of Geeta and Babita while Aamir Khan played Mahavir Singh Phogat.

Saand Ki Aankh

This 2o19 film was one of the critically acclaimed films made in Bollywood. It tells the lives of the sharpshooters Chandro and Prakashi Tomar. The film goes on to tell the story of how they discover their skill for sharpshooting but how their patriarchal household does not allow them to pursue the sport. Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar essayed the lead roles in the film.

Saina

This 2021 film is based on the eponymous badminton player Saina Nehwal. Showcasing her love and passion for badminton, the movie goes on to show how she trained to become number one in the sport! Parineeti Chopra played the titular character in the movie.

Also read: Naishaa Kaur Bhatoye, Who Played Little Saina Nehwal In Biopic, Is A Badminton Star In Real Life Too!

Rashmi Rocket

This 2021 sports drama film is not technically based on one female athlete but rather on a couple of them who had to undergo a gender test to prove that they are females and were then diagnosed with hyperandrogenism. Taapsee Pannu played the titular role in the film.

Also read: ‘Shabaash Mithu’ Review: Mithali Raj Biopic Is Charming When It’s About The Cricketer, But Superficial When About Women And Cricket

Shabaash Mithu

Based on the life of the Indian female cricketer Mithali Raj, this film showcases her struggle of playing professional cricket in the country. From not being provided basic amenities and coaching to finally fighting for them, the film showed the true struggle of the women in blue in India. Taapsee Pannu played the character of Mithali in the movie.