Farhan Akhtar’s forthcoming boxing film ‘Toofaan’ is all geared up to release on May 21, 2021, on the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform.
We take this opportunity to give you a list of five prominent Indian films made on the subject of boxing sport. So here we go:
1. Mary Kom (2014)
Directed by Omung Kumar (remember the Zee TV 1990s famous show Ek Minute?) and starring Priyanka Chopra in the lead role, the film follows the life of eminent Indian boxer Mary Kom. Priyanka Chopra was praised for adeptly portraying the character.
The film garnered critical acclaim along with box office success besides winning the reputed National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
2. Mukkabaaz (2017)
Helmed by maverick filmmaker Anurag Kashyap (Black Friday, Gangs of Wasseypur), this film is the quintessential specimen of Kashyap’s ingenious style of filmmaking.
Originally conceived by the film’s lead actor Vineet Kumar Singh (the idea), the film chronicles the story of an aspiring boxer who comes in the bad books of the boxing federation head (beautifully played by Jimmy Shergill). On top of that, he falls for Shergill’s niece, which further aggravates their animosity.
Not a blockbuster, but definitely amongst the best boxing films made in India.
3. Saala Khadoos (2016)
Thematically somewhat similar to SRK’s ‘Chak De India’, the film revolves around a former boxer turned boxing coach (played by the dependable Madhavan), who discovers raw talent in a fisherwoman and trains her to become a boxer. The film received critical acclaim for its screenplay and lead performances.
4. Apne (2007)
Anil Sharma, long-time collaborator of acclaimed film actor Dharmendra, donned the director’s cap in this boxing drama ‘Apne’. Besides starring the veteran actor, the film also featured Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol in the lead roles.
The film was said to be loosely based on Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (starring Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Hilary Swank). It followed the story of a disgraced boxer who gets a chance to clear his name from a previous false accusation.
‘Apne’ went on to become a blockbuster hit. The film’s sequel is slated to release later this year.
5. Boxer (1984)
This 1984 film starring Mithun Chakraborty was helmed by Raj N. Sippy (the man behind the Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Satte Pe Satta’). The film revolved around a thief turned boxer, who eventually challenges the formidable boxing champion (played by Sharat Saxena).
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