Top 15 Cricketers Movies | Inspiring Bollywood Portrait Of Legends

In every sports, we can find inspiring stories of athletes who came from zero to career peak with solid determination. The same applies to the cricket world which witnesses a number of legends as MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar or Mohammad Azharuddin. These famous figures would be portrayed vividly in these cricketers movies below.

Check out the list of 15 greatest Bollywood cricketers movies of all time before coming to details of each!

Top 15 Bollywood Cricketers Movies

This list of cricketers movies are either biopics of renowned players or cricket-based movies that resemble stories in the real cricket world.

Some of these haven’t been released yet but are already stirring the Indian netizen community. Details about cast, cricketers in movies movie synopsis, release date, box office collection of each film will be provided afterward.

• MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
• Azhar
• Sachin: A Billion Dreams
• ‘83
• Shabash Mithu
• Lagaan
• Iqbal
• Kai Po Che
• Patiala House
• Dil Bole Hadippa
• Ferrari Ki Sawaari
• Chain Kulii Main Kulii
• Hattrick
• The Zoya Factor
• Victory

15 Cricketers Movies Of All Time

Below are more information of these cricketers movies. The first five of them are biopics of famous cricketers who have contributed greatly to the development of Indian cricket history. The next ten movies are cricket-based films which are entertaining to watch.

1 - Ms Dhoni: The Untold Story

Cricketer in the movie: Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Release date: 30 September 2016

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher, Bhumika Chawla

Box office: ₹216 crore

Whenever mentioning the best cricketers movies, people will immediately think of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, biopic of the legendary Indian national team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The 2016 Hindi movie was written and also directed by Neerja Pandey, depicting the journey of a Ranchi boy to the most recognized face across the country.

Starring Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role of Dhoni, the biopic brings its fans a number of hero-worship moments which are typical when the former Indian captain performed in his prime time.

This cricketer movie also features lovely names in the Bollywood industry like Disha Patani, Kiara Advani and Anupam Kher in supporting roles, making it the most successful biopic till date.

Made on a budget of Rs. 104 crore, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story gained over Rs 216 crore of grossing worldwide – being the fifth-highest grossing Bollywood films in 2016. The movie had an amazing coverage over 61 countries and was also dubbed in Telugu, Tamil and Marathi.

With this achievement, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is nominated the best cricketers movies of all time.

>>> Check MS Dhoni: The Untold Story full movie download for free.

2 - Azhar

Cricketer in the movie: Mohammad Azharuddin

Release date: 13 May 2016

Director: Tony D’Souza

Cast: Emraan Hashmi as Azhar, Lara Dutta, Nargis Fakhri, Prachi Desai, Kunaal Roy Kapur.

Box office: ₹56.69 crore

Azhar is a sports biography drama inspired by the story of Mohammad Azharuddin who has experienced various ups and downs throughout his cricket career.

Azhar was also released in 2016 with MS Dhoni biopic, written by Rajat Aroraa and directed by Tony D’Souza. The movie stars Emraan Hashmi as Azhar. Other Bollywood names also appearing in this cricketer movie are Lara Dutta, Nargis Fakhri, Prachi Desai and Kunaal Roy Kapur.

However, it didn’t receive success as the same-year biopic of MS Dhoni. With a modest budget at around 35 crore, the movie got a humble amount of grossing - 57 crore and much criticism.

The reason for this modest result is Azhar has gone too far in fictionalizing real events which made it hard to relate to cricket fans.

Having said that, watching Azhar helps you understand better the life of this cricketer who faced allegations of match-fixing in his 99^th test match. The movie depicts how Azhar and his lawyer friend managed to prove his innocence and clear the life-ban imposed earlier.

3 - Sachin: A Billion Dreams

Cricketer in the movie: Sachin Tendulkar

Release date: 26 May 2017

Director: James Erskine

Cast: Sachin Tendulkar

Box office: ₹76.86 crore

Unlike Azhar, Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a realistic description of Sachin Tendulkar stories. From his cricket side to personal life, events are narrated vividly and logically by the cricketer himself.

The biopic was shot in Hindi, English and Marathi and dubbed in both Tamil and Telugu. It was also declared tax free in several states to honor the respectful Indian captain.

Thanks to its excellent direction from James Erskine, Sachin: A Billion Dreams was awarded many trophies including Best Director of a Long Documentary, Best Film in the Long Documentary category and another honorary diploma at FICTS Festival 2018.

>>> Get link to download Sachin A Billion Dreams here!

Even a die-hard fan of Sachin Tendulkar will find this movie informative. It details either the childhood time or the later part in his cricket career, from the God of Cricket to his first World Cup win.

Narration was made by Sachin along with other fellow cricketers, actors and commentators (most noticeably Harsha Bhogle and Boria Majumdar)

The budget of this movie was not revealed while its grossing was a bit lower than expected, at roughly 77 crore only.

>>> Check Sachin Tendulkar net worth 2020 here!

4 - ‘83

Cricketer in the movie: Kapil Dev Ram Lal Nikhanj

Release date: N/A

Director: Kabir Khan

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Saqib Saleem, Ammy Virk, Harrdy Sandhu, Jiiva

Box office: N/A

Though it hasn’t been released yet due to the nationwide lockdown, ’83 is already storming the web with its hot stars Ranveer Singh in lead role as Kapil Dev and Deepika Padukone as his wife.

The movie is to celebrate one of the greatest triumphs in Indian history, the match that wrote another golden chapter in this sport for our country. Watching this, fans can feel historic moments and understand how the next generations of cricketers had been inspired by this one-off victory.

Regarding Kapil Dev, one of the greatest all-rounders of Indian cricket, he has retired in 1994 and coached the national team from 1999 to 2000. ’83 will be a special gift to this 61-year-old legend, who is holding the world record for the greatest number of wickets taken in Test cricket. Kapil Dev was honored in ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

No information about its rescheduled release date has been announced yet but Starbiz will get you updates right when it leaks out.

5 - Shabash Mithu

Cricketer in the movie: Mithali Dorai Raj

Release date: 2021

Director: Rahul Dholakia

Cast: Taapsee Pannu

Box office: N/A

Shabash Mithu is a special upcoming movie in this list which portrays the life and legacy of Indian women cricket run-machine Mithali Raj. The perfectionist actress Tapsee Pannu wrote about this female cricketer as a true game-changer whose contribution goes beyond numbers which can’t be compared to those of Meg Lanning, Elyssy Perry or Jodie Fields from Australia.

It’s not an exaggeration indeed. Mithali Raj is currently the highest run-scorer woman worldwide and the only female cricketer to exceed 6,000 run mark in WODI matches.

Mithali Raj is the woman of first: first Indian player to score 2000 runs in T20Is, first female cricketer to reach 2002 WT20I runs, first person to have captained India twice in ICC ODI World Cup final, etc.

With these achievements and great inspiration for next generations of Indian women, Mithali Raj deserves having her own cricketer movie. And Shabash Mithu is exactly the best gift to this amazing woman from Bollywood industry.

We will update the exact date of release as well as surrounding information on Starbiz if have.

6 - Lagaan: Once upon a time in India

Release date: 15 June 2001

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley, Paul Blackthorne

Box office: ₹65.9 crore

Lagaan opens a list of cricketers movies that were based on cricket life, but not necessarily depicting true events or real-life figures.

It was released in 2001 in Hindi language and instantly became a hit with the famous brand Aamir Khan. The movie attracted an enormous investment at that time (up to Rs. 250 million) and also gained huge success with Rs. 659.7 million of grossing.

>>> Lagaan also ranks in Best Bollywood movies of all time, see full list in the link!

Lagaan: Once upon a time in India story is set to take place in the early 1890s during the late Victorian period when Indian residents were burdened with taxes from administrators.

The arrogant British army officer then challenged them to win him a game of cricket which is a totally new sport to the villagers. Despite obstacles in learning the game, Gujarat inhabitants finally succeeded to change their fates, also taking up this sport as a popular game till now.

With unprecedented budget and serious working attitudes from Aamir Khan, Lagaan received a rain of compliments from both critics and audience. It also bagged a number of nominations and awards in or outside the country.

7 - Iqbal

Release date: 26 August 2005

Director: Nagesh Kukunoor

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shreyas Talpade, Girish Karnad, Yatin Karyekar, Prateeksha Lonkar, Shweta Basu Prasad

Box office: ₹45 crore

Iqbal is among the most motivational Bollywood cricketers movies which tells story of a deal-mute boy who is obsessed with cricket.

The Iqbal boy dreams of playing for Indian national cricket team despite his physical challenges, remote neighborhood and disapproval from his own father. Luckily, after some incidents, Iqbal found him a trainer who was once a professional cricketer. Their inspiring days come to the screen.

With a modest budget of less than 1 crore and young faces from Bollywood, Iqbal has won hearts of the audience with its excellent direction, awarded the Best Film on Other Social Issues at National Film Award. It’s also screened in restropect at 2016 Independence Day Film Festival.

If you are not getting encouragement from family to play cricket, let’s watch this movie and you will never regret it!

8 - Kai Po Che

Release date: 22 February 2013

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh, Rajkummar Rao, Amrita Puri, Asif Basra

Box office: ₹92 crore

Also known as Kai Po Che: Brothers… for Life, this 2013 movie does not focusing too much on cricket in one’s life but embraces the value of friendship. However, details around cricket in this movie are reasonable and intriguing to both Bollywood and cricket fans.

Kai Po Che revolves around the ambition of 3 friends Ishaan, Omi and Govind and how they protect their precious relationships despite hatred. The movie develops story from the past to date when 3 young men wanted to train cricket stars and open sports business.

Though the ending of story may not be satisfactory for some, this cricketer movie is a meaningful lesson for all of us to treasure who we have today.

>>> Watch it here: "Kai Po Che" Movie Download

Kai Po Che received mixed reviews from international critics but it’s definitely a commercial success in the country with 92 crore of grossing.

It’s best you watch this film with your group of friends who are aiming at a common target together.

9 - Patiala House

Release date: 11 February 2011

Director: Nikkhil Advani

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Soni Razdan, Neelu Kohli, Kumud Mishra, Anushka Sharma

Box office: ₹35.3 crore

Though Patiala House inclines towards a sports drama film with not real events, its main character is partly based on Monty Panesar, the English international cricketer with Indian parents.

Patiala House tells a common story among many cricketers who didn’t receive their family support at first. In this movie, Akshay Kumar in the role of Gattu has a knack for cricket and wants to play for the England team. His father Gurtej, however, threatens to commit suicide if he doesn’t get rid of that improper ambition.

Boycotted by his own siblings, Gattu finds Zeeshan and Simran who give him more fuel to pursue his dream. Later, he managed to join England team but his father realized and had a heart attack. It’s the climax of conflicts that reveals stories of many players who used to be in a dilemma: one is following their cricket dream, the other is listening to parents’ wish.

Should you ever be in the same situation, you will find Patiala House totally relatable. Watching this cricket movie, perhaps, will make it easier for you to make up your mind.

10 - Dil Bole Hadippa

Release date: 18 September, 2009

Director: Anurag Singh

Cast: Rani Mukerji, Shahid Kapoor, Sherlyn Chopra, Anupam Kher, Dalip Tahil

Box office: ₹77.7 crore

Dil Bole Hadippa is one of rare cricketers movies you can watch with your lover, really! It is not just an inspiring story for cricket fans but also a sweet romance between the two talents.

Veera, a young woman, desires to be playing cricket along with men so she has to play disguise. Rohan, a captain of English cricket team, has some issues with his family. Incidents happen for them to meet, argue and finally love each other. Their personal and cricket stories also deliver strong messages to the audience about gender equality and values of family.

Despite some negative reviews, Dil Bole Hadippa still manages to become a commercial success and one of the top cricketers movies from Bollywood, acquiring a great deal of grossing at nearly 78 crore back in 2009.

The film is in fact a Bollywood version of 2006 US comedy sports romance She’s the Man.

11 - Ferrari Ki Sawaari

Release date: 22 June 2012

Director: Rajesh Mapuskar

Cast: Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Ritvik Sahore

Box office: ₹44 crore

Ferrari Ki Sawaari has an attractive plot that integrates other social issues to the main cricket story. A boy named Kayo has a passion for the sports and always dreams of playing with his idol Sachin Tendulkar. There comes a chance he can realize it by joining a cricket camp at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London organized by his school.

However, the poor boy can’t afford the trip. His father, a devoted man, by all means assists Kayo to do that. Interestingly, he thinks of stealing the red Ferrari from Sachin Tendulkar to get enough money. On the way, Ferrari Ki Sawaari opens up more life stories from different people, from a mechanic to a politician. In this movie, cricket is the agent to form the crux, but it’s also the key to solve the problems.

Regarding critical reviews, Ferrari Ki Sawaari receives acclaims for its both story and performances. Critics all agree that the film wins their heart with every dialogue and scene. All in all, it’s a must-watch story for either cricket or non-cricket fans.

12 - Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii

Release date: 22 June 2007

Director: Karanjeet Saluja

Cast: Rahul Bose, Zain Khan, Susheel Parashara, Rajesh Khera, Meera Vasudevan, Nasirr Khan, Raj Bhansali

Box office: ₹6 million

You may get shocked when seeing its “tiny” box office collection but Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii is not a disaster as many people think.

The film is a cricket-based story about an orphan Karan who has two big dreams: one is having parents and the other is growing up into a great cricketer like Kapil Dev. By the way, Kapil Dev also has a cameo appearance in this movie.

The film portrays many scenes on cricket field to satisfy its fans but it didn’t make any noise at the box office, why?

Critic reviews didn’t comment much on the movie plot as well as the performance itself. They said that the movie actually failed before its release with unplanned promotion. No one knew it was a cricketer movie until it’s published. People thought it was a music video when seeing its early promo.

It’s such a pity for Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii when it didn’t receive attention it deserved to have. However, you can search for this movie online and watch it for cricket inspiration.

13 - Hattrick

Release date: 16 March 2007

Director: Milan Luthria

Cast: Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen, Kunal Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Danny Denzongpa

Box office: ₹6 crore

Household couples would find this movie so relatable! Hattrick is the type of cricketers movies that praise life of top athletes. Nor does it bring historic moments on the cricket fields. It’s about cricket conflicts.

If you are a fan of cricket and you’re married, have you ever argued with your wife over this sports? Is your wife prone to abandoned feelings when you spend all the time on cricket?

Hattrick tells the exact story but with more drama when cricket-related conflicts constantly arise in the family. The movie shows how cricket fever influences lives of different people.

Reviewing on the movie storyline, users give it a 6/10 score. There are parts the flow goes smooth and natural but some scenes feel missing in others. Still, people give it a more-than-average rating.

14 - The Zoya Factor

Release date: 20 September 2019

Director: Abhishek Sharma

Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Dulquer Salmaan

Box office: ₹6.96 crore

The Zoya Factor is one of the latest cricketers movies released, in 2019. It’s a combination of sports and romance but inclines more toward the latter.

The Zoya Factor film is based on Anuja Chauhan’s novel of the same name. It’s directed by Abhishek Sharma and narrated by Shah Rukh Khan. With famous names in the Bollywood industry, The Zoya Factor didn’t gain enough grossing to compensate for its production fees.

This cricketer movie follows a so-called opposites-attract storyline between Zoya Solanki, a luck charm for the national cricket team and Nikhi Khoda, the determined captain who defies the influence of luck or supernatural forces.

You can guess the rest of the movie with that hint actually. But it’s still worth a watch for the atmosphere it brings, and it’s more recommended if you and girlfriend share similar experiences.

>>> Read full The Zoya Factor movie review here!

15 - Victory

Release date: 16 January 2009

Director: Ajit Pal Mangat

Cast: Harman Baweja, Amrita Rao, Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover

Box office: ₹1.92 crore

Let’s end this list of cricketers movies with Victory, a film starring a number of international cricketers.

Victory is a 100% cricket-based movie without any mixed romance or comedy like some other films. It simply tells the story of a struggling cricketer to pursue his seemingly impossible dream.

We won’t talk much about the movie review as it’s nothing special other than the inspiring story it depicts. We would like to point out the reason why you must watch Victory if being a fan of international cricketers.

Victory is the film with most cricketers in movies, not just from India, but from all over the world: Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. They are both current and past players who made childhood of many people here. Some of them are named below:

• Mohinder Amarnath (former Indian cricketer)
• Allan Border and Stuart Clark (former Australian cricketers)
• Martin Crowe (former New Zealand cricketer)
• AB De Villiers (South African cricketer)
• Waqar Younis (former Pakistani cricketer)

Above is our collection of best cricketers movies of all time from Bollywood industry. There are many other movies inspired by cricket world out there but we believe these are the most worth-watching, given their storyline, authenticity, critic reviews and appearance of cricketers in movies.

Hope you will enjoy the list and do come back Starbiz for more Best Movies lists!

>>> Read more on Starbiz: 10 Hottest Wife Of Indian Cricketers To Sweep You Off Your Knees