For the love of Bollywood & cricket: Films on India's favourite sport that bowled fans over

Kabir Khan's sports drama '83' starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone is perhaps the best way to wrap up 2021. Fans get to relive that iconic World Cup winning moment from 1983, when Team India led by Kapil Dev made history.

But Bollywood and cricket have an old rishta. Before you catch '83' in cinemas this December, re-watch some iconic Bollywood films which dealt with India's favourite sport, its challenges on celluloid.

Lagaan (2001)
You can't watch a film on cricket and not watch 'Lagaan'. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and starring Aamir Khan, 'Lagaan' put India on the global cinema map, making it to the Oscars shortlist in the Foreign Language category. The film is set in pre-Independence India when a bunch of villagers find a way to beat the British at their own game to avoid paying high taxes.

Iqbal (2005)
In Nagesh Kukunoor's film 'Iqbal', a young deaf boy, played by Shreyas Talpade wants to play cricket, but his father refuses to let him play. With help from his sister, they find a retired cricket player, played by Naseeruddin Shah to teach him how to play. Kukunoor bowled over fans with this one. He delivers a charming feel-good film, thanks to a charismatic cast, who win us over with their intense, poignant performances.

Patiala House (2011)
Directed by Nikkhil Advani, Patiala House narrates the story of Gurtej Kahlon played by the late actor Rishi Kapoor. Akshay Kumar who plays Rishi's son Gattu, is a talented cricketer selected for England's national team, much to his father's unhappiness. The film deals with diasporic cultural politics, generational strife, and the dilemmas of an Indian NRI community, staying away from home.

Kai Po Che! (2013)
In 2013 film, 'Kai Po Che', three best friends start a cricket academy. But, their ambitions are tested by tragedy and turmoil, in their personal lives and a society that is reeling under the aftermath of a communal riot. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film stars Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh in key roles.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
Helmed by Neeraj Pandey, 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story' is very special for fans. A biopic, it tells the inspiring story of cricketing icon MS Dhoni, who went to become India's Captain Cool. What's even better, is late actor Sushant Singh Rajput's portayal of Mahi. The film went on to become a huge success at the Box Office.

Azhar (2016)
2016 film 'Azhar' looked at the dark underbelly of Cricket. A biopic, based on the life of former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin, the film chronicled the infamous match-fixing scandal that rocked the cricketing world in 1999. From being one of the most celebrated cricket captains of India to being country's most controversial sportsman, Azhar showed the highs and lows of Azharuddin's life.

Bollywood's love story with Cricket doesn't end here. Fans will see Shahid Kapoor pick up the bat in upcoming sports drama 'Jersey', where a failed cricketer makes a comeback to the field to fulfil his kid's dream of buying a jersey. The film stars Mrunal Thakur & Pankaj Kapoor in pivotal roles.

Fans will also see actor Taapsee Pannu in upcoming biopic 'Shabaash Mithu', where she essays the role of the Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj. The film has been directed by Srijit Mukherji and is slated for a 2022 release.