With a slew of biopics on famous sportsmen from the country in the pipeline, including one on the life of ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh, the excitement has reached a crescendo

Mona

Six sixes in six balls — Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 2007 T20 World Cup feat is as remarkable as his phoenix-like return from cancer! The cricketer from Chandigarh, who touched dizzying heights of fame, has had an indomitable coach in his father, Yograj Singh, a strict disciplinarian. Yuvraj’s story is now set for an outing on celluloid.

Reportedly backed by T-Series, this real-life sports drama is touted as ‘a grand celebration of Singh’s extraordinary journey’. While there is still a cover on who will get into Yuvraj’s shoes, Fatima Sana Shaikh is likely to play his love interest.

His father — actor and cricketer Yograj Singh — is all excited. “This is another of my dreams and by my guru’s grace, it is due to be fulfilled,” shares Yograj, basking in the glory of his latest film Bibi Rajni’s success. Proud of his son, he says, “Yuvi is a legend and a film on him should be legendary. Something like Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo.”

With a considerable body of work in cinema, we ask if he will be associated with the film? “It’s all about how Yuvi and the director of the film wants it. If they want me to act or use my voice, I am all for it. Rest, you know, I go with whatever my children want. It’ a call that Yuvi is going to take.”

While Yuvraj’s journey on the field is remarkable, his battle with cancer is exemplary. Yograj wishes for a humane portrayal of Yuvraj’s life, “A son like Yuvi comes into your life if you have done many good deeds in previous births. I am so grateful to the Almighty for giving me a son like him. Not only is he one of the best that cricket world has ever seen, but also a wonderful human being. He has always supported those in need, which says a lot about his character. You wouldn’t know, but Yuvi is happier in someone else’s happiness and success than his own achievements.” That’s something Yograj believes makes Yuvraj even a better coach than the player he was. “Yuvi is giving way more to cricket than what the game has given him. He is coaching young players like Abhishek Sharma and preparing them for great innings of life.”

In Yuvraj and his achievements, and now a biopic in the making, Yograj sees vindication of his life too, “Yuvi tells me, ‘Pitaji, now I realise that hadn’t you been the way you had been, I wouldn’t have battled cancer’.”

While there are huge ups, there is only one regret that Yograj has. “I wish Yuvi had played 100-150 Test matches. But then all that he has achieved is miraculous in itself, especially the laurels he gathered after defeating cancer. His film is going to be a blockbuster too,” he shares.

Yuvraj isn’t the only city boy to have his life story out for a screen outing. The first Indian individual Olympic Gold Medal-holder Abhinav Bindra is an inspiration to millions. A biopic based on his illustrious shooting career is long due. In pre-production stage for a while now, the film stars Anil Kapoor and his son Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor. The latter is also producing the film.

Cricket remains India’s favourite sport, and there is another cricketer whose life story will be showcased on screen. One of the fastest and greatest female bowler of all times, Jhulan Goswami’s life, struggles and success will witness a Netflix outing by the end of 2024. Titled Chakda ‘Xpress after her hometown, Chakda, in West Bengal, the film has Anukshka Sharma in the lead role. The biographical sports drama is being directed by Prosit Roy, who has to his credit the horror film Pari and crime thriller Paatal Lok.

Recently, a social media post saw film and sports fans in a tizzy as the ‘official’ trailer of Rohit Sharma: The Hitman, staring Jr NTR, was released. A fan video, a mock concept, certainly bats for Sharma or Hitman’s film soon!

Away from the lure of cricket, Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu’s life too will witness an outing on celluloid. The film will be helmed by OC Meira.

As sports biographical dramas have gained quite a traction lately, filmmaker-writer Jagdeep Sidhu explains, “Sports biographical dramas come with their fan base and have an inspiring motivational story. Everyone dreams of doing something great, so the audience relates to the theme and hence this remains a popular genre in the film industry.”

Sidhu, who wrote the National Award-winning film Harjeeta, a sports biopic that celebrates the life of field hockey player Harjeet Singh, adds, “Any film takes about six months, it took about eight months for this one. I spend considerable time with my subject, his family, friends, and others associated with him.”