Have you ever asked yourself why you would still want to watch a sports movie? You could easily follow the New York Yankees on Major League Baseball or LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA? You could just keep yourself updated with what is happening in the UFC, WWE, or Formula 1 at bostonsportsextra.com. But why still watch a sports movie?
The reason is that there is something in the movies that you cannot see in the actual games. Sports movies allow you to dig deeper into the psychology and mindset of the characters. Maybe because you can relate to their struggles—from the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory. With that in mind, let us take a look at some of the best hooligan movies to watch out for in the sports category.
The Way Back
The Way Back tells the story of Jack Cunningham, a former HS basketball phenom. He turned down His being an alcoholic cost him his wife and family foundation. He sought redemption by accepting the coaching job offered him by his alma mater. As his team starts winning, he uses it to confront his old demons.
Ben Affleck plays the role of Jack Cunningham. The movie also stars Al Madrigal as Dan, a well-mannered high school Mathematics teacher who is also the assistant coach. Ben Affleck considers the movie as his therapy after struggling with alcoholism and rehab.
King Richard
King Richard is a sports biopic depicting the life of Richard Williams, father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams. The film depicts the transformation of Venus and Serena into tennis greats after being coached by their father.
King Richard follows the Williams patriarch, from the time he coached his daughters in Compton, California to their Grand Slam years. We are all aware of the Williams’ sisters ascent to sports royalty. Playing the role of Richard Williams is Will Smith. Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton portrays the young Venus and Serena Williams, respectively.
83
83 tells the story of Kapil Dev, a cricket player. The film also narrates his journey of life and how he became captain of the Indian national cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Set for an April 2020 release, 83 stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, and others.
Jhund
Jhund tells the story of Vijay Barse, the founder of NGO Slum Soccer. He was a retired sports teacher who founded an NGO named Slum Soccer. He managed to rehabilitate street kids by keeping them off drugs and crime and turned them into soccer players and a team. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan who plays Vijay Barse. Jhund is slated to be shown in May 2020.
Rise
Based on a true story, Rise depicts the life of Willie Davis, a high school janitor who became coach of a failing basketball program. He, later on, inspired his team to make “the Lord, books, and basketball” as their priority. Eventually, Davis turns things around and lead his team to the state championship. Sterling Brown portrays the role of Wille Davis. Rise hits the big screen in April 2020.
Saina
Saina is a film that depicts the true story of Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal. The movie depicts the journey of Saina from being a young girl to becoming the best badminton player in the world. Saina Nehwal has a decorated career as a badminton player. Aside from being a former top player, she has also 24 international titles, including eleven Superseries titles to her belt.
Parineeti Chopra portrays Saina Nehwal. She has been honing her badminton skills in order to effectively recreate the role in the big screen.
Bindra
Abhinav Bindra is another well-decorated Indian athlete. The rifle shooter has made a name for his country in the sport. He won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in the 10-meter Air Rifle category ending a 28-year medal drought for India since 1980 when the Indian Men’s Field Hockey Team struck gold. He also bagged a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow.
Bindra is a biopic based on the life of the rifle shooter. With Kanan Iyer at the helm, the movie stars Harshvardhan Kapoor as Abhinav Bindra. He shares the screen for the first time with his father Anil Kapoor, who will also have a role in the movie to be shown at a date to be announced.
Maidaan
Maidaan is a sports biopic depicting the life of the late Abdul Rahim. Known as the Árchitect of Indian Football,” Rahim was the coach and manager of the Indian National Football team that won the gold medal in the inaugural Asian Games in Delhi. A teacher by profession, no one cannot discount his great contribution to Indian football.
As a coach, he ushered in what many described as the “golden phase of Indian football.” Set to be released in November 2020, Ajay Devgn will play the title role of Abdul Rahim.
