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Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world after football. This sport has approximately 2.5 billion fans. Most of them live in India, Great Britain, and Australia, but cricket is also popular in Europe, Asia, and African countries. On the 4RaBet website you can place the bets for the cricket games right now.
The love for cricket is also shown in cinema. There are a large number of films that deal with this sport. It could be the main character is an athlete, or the plot is created around the team’s achievements.
We have collected a large collection of films about cricket: feature films and documentaries, old and new. In total, you will find more than fifty titles.
19 Best Indian Cricket Movies
Most good films about cricket are made in India: the country where the largest number of fans of the game live. Cricket-related films are produced in both Bollywood and small studios.
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
Actors: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh
The villagers, led by Bhuvan, face adversity as they challenge British colonial rulers to a cricket match, aiming to waive off oppressive taxes. The film beautifully weaves the game of cricket into a tale of resilience and empowerment.
Iqbal (2005)
Actors: Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad
It is the story of Iqbal, a deaf and mute young man from a rural Indian village. Despite his physical challenges, Iqbal has an extraordinary talent and passion for cricket. He aspires to become a professional cricketer and play for the Indian national team.
Hattrick (2007)
Actors: Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen, Kunal Kapoor, Nana Patekar
The film revolves around three sets of characters, each dealing with their own “hattrick” or a series of three significant events. The central theme is cricket, and the narrative weaves the lives of the characters around the sport. It explores how cricket becomes a connecting thread in the lives of people from diverse backgrounds.
Meerabai Not Out (2008)
Actors: Mandira Bedi, Eijaz Khan, Anupam Kher
The story revolves around Meerabai (played by Mandira Bedi), a teacher with an undying passion for cricket. She is an ardent fan of the Indian cricketer, Rahul Dravid. Her love for Dravid is so intense that she has even named her dog after him. Despite being in her thirties, Meerabai remains unmarried, much to the concern of her family.
Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)
Actors: Rani Mukerji, Shahid Kapoor
Veera disguises themselves as a man to join a cricket team, adding a humorous twist to the conventional romance-comedy genre. The film explores themes of gender identity, love, and breaking societal norms.
Kai Po Che! (2013)
Actors: Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao
Three friends navigate personal and societal challenges as they start a cricket academy. The narrative reflects on friendship, ambition, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Dishoom (2016)
Actors: Varun Dhawan, John Abraham
Two police officers embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped cricketer before an important match, blending action, comedy, and a cricket backdrop.
Jersey (2019)
Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur
A poignant story of redemption, a middle-aged man decides to revive his cricket career for his son, intertwining family dynamics with his passion for the sport. Also, there is a remake of this film, released in 2022.
Jeeva (2014)
Actors: Vishnu Vishal, Sri Divya, and Soori
The plot revolves around the journey of a young and talented cricketer named Jeeval. The film portrays the challenges and obstacles faced by Jeeva as he aspires to make a mark in the competitive world of cricket. It delves into his passion for the sport, the support he receives from his loved ones, and the various struggles he encounters in pursuit of his dreams.
Patiala House (2011)
Actors: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma
The film explores the conflict between personal dreams and familial expectations as a talented cricketer struggles to pursue his passion against cultural norms.
Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012)
Actors: Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani
A heartwarming tale of a father’s determination to fulfill his son’s cricketing dream, despite financial hardships and societal challenges.
A Billion Dreams (2017)
Actors: Sachin Tendulkar (as himself)
A documentary-drama offering an intimate look into the life of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, capturing his achievements, struggles, and impact on Indian cricket.
Son Of Manjeet Singh (2018)
Actors: Gurpreet Ghuggi, Japji Khaira, Karamjit Anmol
A Punjabi-language sports drama film that tells the story of Manjeet Singh, a middle-class man who dreams of seeing his son, Teg, become a successful cricketer. The film explores the challenges faced by Manjeet as he supports his son’s aspirations, balancing the struggles of life and the pursuit of dreams.
Chennai 600028 (2007)
Actors: Jai, Shiva, Premji Amaren
The movie revolves around a group of friends and their passion for gully cricket in Chennai. It captures the camaraderie, rivalries, and the spirit of friendship among the characters. The film gained popularity for its lively portrayal of street cricket culture.
Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings (2016)
Actors: Jai, Shiva, Premji Amaren
A sequel to the 2007 film, “Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings” continues the story of the friends and their love for cricket. The film explores the dynamics of their lives, relationships, and, of course, cricket. It brings back the spirit of the first film, featuring humor, friendship, and the competitive world of gully cricket.
Dear Comrade (2019)
Actors: Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna
The film explores the complex relationship between the protagonists, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and social issues. The narrative is set against the backdrop of college life and follows the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate personal and societal challenges. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for the performances and music but some criticism for its pacing and length.
83 (2021)
Actors: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone
Recounting the historic victory of the Indian cricket team in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, the film celebrates the resilience and teamwork that led to the triumph.
Shabaash Mithu (2022)
Actors: Taapsee Pannu
It is a biographical movie about the career of Mithali Raj. Mithali is a former Test and ODI captain of the women’s national cricket team.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi (upcoming 2024)
Actors: Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor
The film is based on the life of the Indian cricketer, M.S. Dhoni.
6 Best Cricket Movies From Other Countries
Not only Bollywood produces movies about cricket. In other countries, there are a few popular films related to cricket too. Here is the list of the most famous.
Wondrous Oblivion (2003)
Set in England, this film explores a young boy’s passion for cricket and his unexpected friendship with Jamaican neighbors, delving into themes of cultural differences and unity.
Save Your Legs! (2012)
An Australian comedy that follows a cricket team from Melbourne touring India, exploring cultural clashes and portraying the universal love and spirit of the game.
Hit for Six (2007)
Set in Barbados, this drama follows a young cricketer’s pursuit of success in the sport and the challenges he faces, exploring themes of determination, ambition, and the impact of cricket on individual lives.
I Know How Many Runs You Scored Last Summer (2008)
The Australian horror-comedy is a unique blend of cricket, horror, and humor. It follows a group of cricketers who, after an unfortunate accident on the field, face a series of supernatural events.
The plot takes a dark turn when the spirit of a deceased cricketer seeks revenge on the team members for their involvement in his death.
Hansie: A True Story (2008)
Originating from South Africa, this biographical film depicts the rise and fall of Hansie Cronje, the former captain of the South African cricket team.
Million Dollar Arm (2014)
A U.S. production inspired by true events, it tells the story of a sports agent recruiting two Indian cricket players through a reality show to turn them into Major League Baseball pitchers.
17 Best Old Cricket Movies
Good cricket films are not only made in the 2021st century. Among the old films, you can also find cricket-related films that are worth watching even now.
| Cricket Movie Name | Year of Release | Country | Production Company | Main Actors |
| “Final Test” | 1953 | United Kingdom | Columbia Pictures | Jack Warner, Robert Morley |
| “Jeevan Mrityu” | 1970 | India | AVM Productions | Dharmendra, Rakhee Gulzar |
| “Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar” | 1973 | India | S.J. International | Radha Saluja, Kiran Kumar |
| “Bobby” | 1973 | India | R.K. Films | Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia |
| “Mili” | 1975 | India | R.K. Films | Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan |
| “Shatranj Ke Khilari” | 1977 | India | Devi Films | Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey |
| “Doosra Aadmi” | 1977 | India | Yash Raj Films | Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh |
| “Kudrat” | 1981 | India | J.O. Films | Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini |
| “Victory” | 1981 | India | R.S. International | Sunny Deol, Amrita Singh |
| “P’tang, Yang, Kipperbang” | 1982 | United Kingdom | Film4 | John Albasiny |
| “Playing Away” | 1983 | United Kingdom | N/A | Norman Beaton,Robert Urquhart |
| “Bodyline” | 1984 | Australia | Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | Gary Sweet, Hugo Weaving |
| “Arthur’s Hallowed Ground” | 1984 | United Kingdom | Enigma Productions | Jimmy Jewel |
| “All Rounder” | 1984 | India | N/A | Kumar Gaurav, Rati Agnihotri |
| “Kapil Dev: The Real Captain” | 1985 | India | N/A | Kapil Dev (as himself) |
| “Apan Par” | 1989 | India | Kumar Arts | Jeetendra, Rekha |
| “Awwal Number” | 1990 | India | Yash Raj Films | Dev Anand, Aamir Khan, Aditya Pancholi |
8 Best Cricket TV Series
In addition to full-length films, there are also TV series dedicated to cricket. There are not as many of them as there are films, unfortunately.
| Name | Year of Release | Country | Plot |
| “Inside Edge” | 2017 | India | A fictional drama series that explores the behind-the-scenes aspects of a T20 cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It delves into the politics, corruption, and personal struggles of the players and team owners. |
| “Bodyline” | 1984 | Australia | A mini-series that dramatizes the events surrounding the controversial “Bodyline” cricket series between England and Australia in 1932-33. |
| “Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War” | 2012 | Australia | This Australian television drama miniseries depicts the establishment of World Series Cricket by media tycoon Kerry Packer in the late 1970s. |
| “Howzzattt” | 2019 | India | A Hindi web series that chronicles the journey of a young cricketer striving to make it big in the competitive world of Indian cricket. |
| “Tamanna” (TV series) | 2016 | India | The story follows Dharaa Solanki, a young woman with exceptional cricketing talent, as she pursues her dream of playing professional cricket against societal norms. |
| “Selection Day” (2018) | 2018 | India | A Netflix original series based on Aravind Adiga’s novel, it revolves around two brothers whose lives are centered around cricket as they navigate family and societal expectations. |
| “Suraj: The Rising Star” | 2008 | India | A Hindi television series that explores the journey of a young boy named Suraj, whose exceptional cricketing talent becomes the focal point of the narrative. |
| “Baarwan Khiladi” | 2022 | India | The hero is a young boy from a small town who has a passion for cricket and aspires to become a famous cricketer. After his selection in the country’s huge cricket league, he faces hurdles and unjust behavior. |
16 Best Documental Movies About Cricket
Documentaries can be even more interesting than feature films. They immerse the viewer in real events. This way we can learn more about competitions, the lives of teams and individual cricketers.
| Film/Series Name | Year of Release | Country | About |
| “Fire in Babylon” | 2010 | United Kingdom | Chronicles the rise of the West Indies cricket team in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on their dominance and impact on the sport. |
| “Beyond the Boundary” | 2017 | New Zealand | Explores the history of cricket in New Zealand, showcasing key moments, players, and the cultural significance of the sport. |
| “Death of a Gentleman” | 2015 | International | Examines the controversies and challenges facing Test cricket, featuring insights from players and cricket administrators. |
| “The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team” | 2020 | Australia | Offers behind-the-scenes access to the Australian cricket team during a period of rebuilding and transformation following a scandal. |
| “Azhar” | 2016 | India | About the life of the popular former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. |
| “Empire of Cricket” BBC | 2009 | United Kingdom | Mini-series with the journey through the history of a few countries which are the most lovers of cricket |
| “The Edge” | 2019 | United Kingdom | Documents the journey of the England cricket team from the lows of the 2015 World Cup to the triumph of winning the 2019 Cricket World Cup. |
| “Sachin: A Billion Dreams” | 2017 | India | A biographical documentary on the life and career of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. |
| “The Test Case” | 2017 | Australia | A documentary series following the Australian women’s cricket team as they strive for success and recognition on the international stage. |
| “Out of the Ashes” | 2010 | Afghanistan | Chronicles the journey of the Afghanistan national cricket team as they overcome challenges to qualify for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. |
| “Warriors” | 2015 | South Africa | Explores the role of cricket in post-apartheid South Africa, focusing on the experiences of the South African national team and its impact on the nation. |
| “Afgan: The Cricket Warrior” | 2010 | Afghanistan | Follows the life of Hamid Hassan, a fast bowler from Afghanistan, as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional cricketer despite the challenges he faces. |
| “Cricket and the Meaning of Life” | 2005 | India | Explores the cultural significance of cricket in India, blending interviews, historical footage, and reflections on the sport’s impact on society. |
| “The Test: A New Era for South Africa’s Team” | 2020 | South Africa | Provides an inside look at the South African cricket team’s journey, challenges, and aspirations during a pivotal period in their history. |
| “Raising the Bar” | 2016 | Papua New Guinea | Chronicles the efforts of the Papua New Guinea national cricket team as they aim to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup. |
| “The Man Who Bought Cricket” | 2022 | United Kingdom | Story of Allen Stanford, the man who created and funded the Stanford 20/20 cricket tournament in the West Indies, for which he built his ground in Antigua. |
Documentaries about the IPL teams
There are not many documentary films or series specifically focused on individual IPL teams. However, there are general IPL-related documentaries that provide insights into the tournament as a whole. Here’s the list of documentaries about the IPL teams:
| Team | Film/Series | Year of Release |
| Mumbai Indians | “Cricket Fever: Mumbai Indians” | 2019 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | “Kolkata Calling: IPL Stories” | 2018 |
| “Living with KKR” | 2014 | |
| “KKR Films” | since 2020 | |
| Chennai Super Kings | “Roar of The Lion” | 2019 |
| “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” | 2016 | |
| Lucknow Super Giants | No | |
| Delhi Capitals | “IPL 2021 The Season So Far” | 2021 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | “RCB” | 2018 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | No | |
| Rajasthan Royals | “Inside Story” | since 2020 |
| Gujarat Titans | No | |
| Punjab Kings | No |
Conclusion
Cricket holds a special place in Indian cinematography, weaving its way into numerous narratives that go beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. The sport, often referred to as a religion in India, has been a recurring theme in films, reflecting the nation’s deep-seated passion for cricket. Whether used as a backdrop for romance, drama, or comedy, cricket in Indian cinema often serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, aspirations, and the pursuit of dreams.
Many Indian films have successfully captured the essence of the cricket-crazy nation, portraying characters who navigate through personal and professional struggles using cricket as a common thread. From inspirational tales of overcoming adversity like “Iqbal” to the light-hearted humor of “Chennai 600028,” cricket serves as more than just a sport in Indian movies — it becomes a cultural touchstone, connecting characters from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, films like “Lagaan” have elevated cricket to a symbol of defiance against oppression, showcasing its ability to unite communities in the face of adversity.
10 Best Cricket Movies By Indian Ranking Video
FAQ
What is the most new Bollywood movie about cricket?
“83”, released in 2021.
In what cricket movie starred Aamir Khan?
“Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India”, 2001.
In what cricket movie starred Taapsee Pannu?
In “Shabaash Mithu” 2022, about the women’s cricket team captain.
In what cricket movie starred Anushka Sharma?
In “Chakda ‘Xpress”. The film has not released yet.
In what cricket movie starred Shahid Kapoor?
In the “Jersey” remake of 2022.
In what cricket movie starred Akshay Kumar?
In the “Pathiala House” 2011.
In what cricket movie starred Shreyas Talpade?
In the “Iqbal” 2005.
In what cricket movie starred Emraan Hashmi?
In “Azhar” 2016.
In what cricket movie starred Naga Chaitanya?
In “Majili” 2019.
In what cricket movie starred Ranveer Singh?
In “83″, 2021.
In what cricket movie starred Rashmika Mandanna?
In “Dear Comrade” 2019.
Which cricket player is based in the “Jersey” movie?
Raman Lamba. He is a former Indian cricketer who played for the Indian team between 1986 and 1992.
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