With Kartik Aaryan’s highly anticipated film ‘Chandu Champion’ released in mid June, it's the perfect time to get inspired by real-life sports heroes. Besides, the Olympics is taking place in Paris.

To get you in the spirit, here are five must-watch sports movies based on real-life champions:

Soorma

Soorma tells the incredible true story of Sandeep Singh, portrayed by Diljit Dosanjh. An Indian professional field hockey player from Haryana and an ex-captain of the Indian national hockey team, Sandeep is known as Flicker Singh for his lightning-fast drag flicks. As a penalty corner specialist, he overcame a career-threatening injury to become one of India’s most celebrated hockey captains. An Arjuna Awardee, Sandeep won medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. After being accidentally shot and paralyzed, his determination and passion for the sport fuelled his remarkable comeback. Featuring Taapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi, the film showcases Sandeep Singh’s journey from adversity to triumph, highlighting his resilience and extraordinary achievements in hockey.

Why watch: Witness an extraordinary tale of resilience and the human spirit's power to overcome adversity.

Mary Kom

Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra in the titular role, chronicles the inspiring journey of Indian boxer Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, who overcomes numerous obstacles to achieve her dream of becoming a world champion. A six-time World Champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, Mary Kom is the first female boxer in history to capture six world titles. She is also a five-time Asian champion and the first female boxer from India to win a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games. Her story becomes even more remarkable as she makes a triumphant comeback after giving birth to her twins, winning a medal at the 2012 Olympics, and securing her place at the summit by clinching her sixth world title in 2018. A year later, she added to her legacy by winning her eighth world medal, the most by any male or female boxer. Supported by compelling performances from Darshan Kumar and Sunil Thapa, this biographical sports drama is both motivating and heartwarming, highlighting Mary Kom's resilience and extraordinary achievements.

Why watch: Experience the inspiring story of a woman who fights against all odds to become a boxing legend.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

In Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Farhan Akhtar delivers a stellar performance as Milkha Singh, also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’. The film follows Milkha's journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming one of India's greatest athletes, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. With Sonam Kapoor and Divya Dutta in key roles, the movie captures Milkha Singh’s relentless drive to overcome personal and professional challenges, making it an inspiring tale of dedication and perseverance.

Why watch: Get inspired by the incredible journey of one of India’s greatest athletes.

Paan Singh Tomar

Irrfan Khan's compelling portrayal of Paan Singh Tomar, an Indian soldier and steeplechase champion who becomes a notorious bandit, is at the heart of this gripping biographical film. Paan Singh Tomar, who won gold at the Indian National Games seven times in a row, finds himself embroiled in a life of rebellion due to socio-political issues. The film, which also stars Mahi Gill and Vipin Sharma, offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of sports and societal injustice.

Why watch: Explore the complex story of an athlete turned rebel and the societal issues that shaped his destiny.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

The features the late Sushant Singh Rajput in a captivating portrayal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of India’s most successful cricket captains. With the tagline ‘The Man You Know...The Journey You Don’t Know,’ the film chronicles Dhoni’s journey from a small-town boy to leading India to numerous victories, including the 2011 ICC World Cup. Featuring compelling performances by Kiara Advani and Disha Patani, this biographical drama offers an intimate look into the life of a cricketing legend, highlighting his moments of struggle and triumph.

Why watch: Dive into the life of a cricketing icon and discover the determination behind his success.

Chandu Champion: The Man Who Refused to Surrender

Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan of Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan fame, promises to inspire and captivate audiences. This biographical sports drama stars Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, chronicling his extraordinary journey from war hero to sporting legend. It's an incredible triumph story of one man’s courage defying all odds.Kartik’s jaw-dropping physical transformation for this role is the talk of the town, showcasing his dedication and bringing an added layer of authenticity to his portrayal of Petkar. Supported by an impressive ensemble cast including Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Palak Lalwani, Yashpal Sharma, Aniruddh Dave, and BhagyashriBorse, Chandu Champion pays tribute to Petkar’s indomitable spirit, resilience, and triumph.

The film highlights Petkar’s journey from paralysis to making history at the 1972 Summer Paralympics, where he set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle. He also competed in javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom, becoming a finalist in all three events. In 2018, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India.Despite severe injuries in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, Petkar’s life, marked by 12 international gold medals, 34 national golds, and 40 state-level golds, is both inspiring and compelling. Chandu Champion is not just a sports drama but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Witness this extraordinary hero’s journey in Chandu Champion.

Collated by Verus Ferreira