As women’s cricket gains momentum in the spotlight, a wave of fascinating films dedicated to the sport has emerged, captivating audiences with their compelling narratives and stellar performances through movies.
From the exhilarating triumphs to the heartrending struggles, Bollywood has long been a mirror reflecting the diverse aspects of society, and women’s cricket is no exception. As the spotlight increasingly shines on the world of women’s cricket, Bollywood’s cinematic lens has also turned towards this inspiring area, capturing tales of courage, determination, and triumph on the silver screen. In this article, we will look into the realm where reel meets real, exploring the impact and representation of women’s cricket in Bollywood movies.
There have been several films based on the sport of cricket, but few focus exclusively on women’s cricket. So, if you’re also a cricket lover and looking for an answer to the question, “Which films are themed around women’s cricket?”, then keep reading this article.
Here is the list of movies based on women’s cricket:
Dil Bole Hadippa!:
Dil Bole Hadippa, the first-ever movie revolving around female cricket, was directed by Anurag Singh in 2009. The sports comedy movie is based on a girl dreaming of cricket. It tells the story of a woman named Veera (played by Rani Mukerji) who dreams of playing cricket for India.
Meanwhile, Rohan, an accomplished cricketer from England, is called to India by his father to captain the national team in a crucial tournament. When Veera’s father forbids her from playing cricket, she disguises herself as a man named Veer and joins an all-male cricket team in order to pursue her dream. However, she faces many challenges along the way and when Veera’s identity is revealed during a match-winning performance, she faces backlash. Through a heartfelt speech, Veera challenges societal norms wins recognition for women’s talents in cricket, and eventually achieves her goal and becomes a national hero. Ultimately, the story ends on a note of empowerment and acceptance.
Tough is an adaptation movie of the 2006 film She’s the Man by Andy Fickman which was itself an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The film is funny, inspiring, and well-made for the Indian audience, and it does a great job of capturing the excitement, passion, and dedication in competitive cricket.
Where can you watch it?
The movie can be watched on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription and on YouTube, Apple TV, and Google Play movies with some charge.
Not Out/ Kanaa:
Released in 2018, this Indian Tamil film tells the story of Kousalya, a talented young girl from a small village, who is trying to make her way in the world of cricket, she dreams of becoming an international cricketer to bringing joy to her cricket-loving father. Witnessing her father’s heartbreak after India’s defeat in the 2007 Cricket World Cup boosts Kowsi’s determination to succeed in cricket. Despite facing opposition from villagers for playing with boys and wearing non-traditional attire, she never gives up on her dreams, Kowsi perseveres and earns a spot in the Tamil Nadu women’s cricket team and later the Indian national team. Meanwhile, her father struggles with agricultural debts, adding emotional depth to Kowsi’s journey. With the guidance of coach Nelson Dilipkumar, Kowsi overcomes obstacles and shines in the T20 World Cup, ultimately winning the semi-final match against Australia and earning accolades for her performance. Her emotional speech about her father’s plight resonates deeply, showcasing the power of sport to bring attention to societal issues. The film concludes with Kowsi’s triumph in the T20 final and recognition from the Tamil Nadu Government, highlighting her journey from humble beginnings to cricketing success. The film is an inspiring tale of determination and hard work, and it showcases the power of female athletes.
Not Out, also known as Kanaa, is a well-made film with excellent performances from all of its cast members. The direction is strong, and the story feels authentic and believable.
Where can you watch it?
The movie can be watched on MX Player and SonyLiv for free and on Amazon Prime Video and Zee5 with a subscription.
Shabaash Mithu:
Shabaash Mithu is a biographical sports drama film directed by Srijit Mukherji released in July 2022. The story is based on the life of the former Indian women’s team skipper. The film depicts the struggles of Mithali Raj played by actress Taapsee Pannu, from being a child prodigy to making her way up to international cricket, a trailblazing captain and sports icon. Her life navigates the highs and lows of professional cricket in this coming-age drama.
Mithali Dorai Raj is a Tamil girl from Hyderabad who transitions from Bharatnatyam dancer to international cricket star. Despite facing numerous hurdles and inequalities in the male-dominated sport, Mithali rises to captain Team India, becoming a light of inspiration for her teammates. The film skillfully intertwines Mithali’s personal struggles with those of the women’s national team, portraying their collective fight for recognition and equality.
The cricket sequences in the movie are well-executed, complemented by subtle humor and dialogue that resonate with the film’s tone. The climax features an emotional monologue that encapsulates the essence of Mithali’s journey.
Where can you watch it?
The movie can be watched on Netflix with a subscription.
Kacchey Limbu
Kacchey Limbu is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language sports drama film written and directed by Shubham Yogi. The film is not a direct representation of women in cricket but it explores the lives of cricket-crazy siblings, a sister, and a brother, and delves into their strong bond.
The movie portrays the story of Aditi played by actress Radhika Madan, who grows up overshadowed by her brother and societal expectations. Despite her initial dream of becoming a fashion designer, her father pressures her to pursue medicine. In a bid to determine her brother Akash’s future, Aditi challenges him to a gully cricket tournament. If she wins, Akash must abandon his cricket dreams and follow their father’s wishes for a corporate job. Aditi formed a team of rookies, named Kacchey Limbu which included some of Akash’s former teammates, to compete in the Underarm Premier League (UPL). Initially underestimated, Kacchey Limbu evolves into a formidable team, ultimately leading to perspective-altering results for both siblings.
Where can you watch it?
The movie can be watched on Jio Cinema for free.
Ghoomer
2023 released Ghoomer is an Indian Hindi-language sports drama film written and directed by R. Balki. Ghoomer draws inspiration from Karoly Takacs’ true story, the film itself is a fictional narrative. It follows the journey of Anina, a talented cricket player portrayed by Saiyami Kher, who loses her right arm just before her international debut.
Anina “Ani” Dixit, a promising young talent in the world of cricket, faced a devastating setback when she lost her right hand in a tragic accident. Despite this adversity, her fortunes took a remarkable turn when Padam “Paddy” Singh Sodhi, a former test cricketer struggling with his own disappointments, stepped in to offer her a lifeline. With unwavering determination and innovative training methods, Paddy breathed new life into Ani’s dreams, guiding her toward a triumphant return to the cricket field, but this time as a bowler, together, they pioneered a revolutionary style of bowling, aptly named “Spinning” or “Ghoomer,” designed to outsmart even the most formidable opponents. Through their collaborative efforts, Ani not only overcame her physical limitations but also emerged as a vital asset for the Indian cricket team, now showcasing her remarkable talent as a bowler on the international stage.
Where can you watch it?
The movie can be watched on Zee5 with a subscription.
Chakda ‘Xpress
Chakda ‘Xpress’ is an eagerly anticipated Hindi-language biographical sports drama narrating the extraordinary journey of former Indian pace bowler, Jhulan Goswami, portrayed by actress Anushka Sharma. Written by Abhishek Banerjee and directed by Prosit Roy, the film delves into the inspiring tale of Jhulan’s rise to prominence, capturing the essence of her remarkable achievements and the challenges she conquered along the way.
Set to unveil the untold story of one of cricket’s finest bowlers, the movie’s release date remains unannounced. However, the glimpse of the movie was reflected with the teaser’s release on 6th January 2022, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience that celebrates the indomitable spirit of a true sporting icon.
In conclusion, while there are not many movies about women’s cricket, the ones that do exist are inspiring and are well worth watching.