On Boxing Day, we celebrate the punch, passion, and perseverance seen in Bollywood’s sports cinema by revisiting five memorable films that brought boxing stories, struggles, and triumphs powerfully to the big screen.
Several fantastic Bollywood films have been made about boxing, which showcase the sport along with the struggle and emotional journey of the players. These include films like Mary Kom, Mukkabaaz, Saala Khadoos, Apne, and Toofaan.
1. Mary Kom (2014)
Directed by Omung Kumar and starring Priyanka Chopra, this film is based on the life of the famous Indian boxer Mary Kom. Priyanka Chopra received immense praise for her excellent acting. The film was a huge box office success and also received critical acclaim. It was also awarded the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome
2. Mukkabaaz (2017)
Anurag Kashyap has made unconventional films (Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur). Directed by him, this film features lead hero Vineet Kumar Singh as an honest boxer from a lower caste in Uttar Pradesh who falls in love with a girl. Ultimately, he has to fight the system for his love and rights.
3. Saala Khadoos (2016)
This film is based on a former boxer who later becomes a boxing coach (R. Madhavan). He prepares a fisherman’s daughter for boxing and turns her into a boxer. Madhavan looked perfect in his role. The film received much praise for its screenplay and the acting of the lead artists.
4. Apne (2007)
In real life, Dharmendra is the father of Sunny and Bobby Deol, and the movie Apne pictured this same relationship between the three. A father makes his sons boxers just like himself. This movie was directed by the Deol family’s favorite director, Anil Sharma. The film was based on Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning film ‘Million Dollar Baby’. ‘Apne’ proved to be a blockbuster hit.
5. Boxer (1984)
Released in 1984, this film starred Mithun Chakraborty as the lead hero. It was directed by Raj N. Sippy. The film was the story of a thief becoming a boxer, who challenges a professional and boxing champion (Sharad Saxena) in the ring.