Bollywood 2007: The Year of Sports Movies

World Cup Cricket 2007 is just around the corner. So, all the Bollywood fans would just become crazy for cricket only. Bollywood movies will have few fans. Bollywood is now fighting back in its own way. Of course, Bollywood can arrange cricket matches but it surely can arrange sports based movies. So, 2007 is really going to be a great year for sports based movies in Bollywood.

The Economic Times wrote:

Bollywood is all set to script a sporty tale. And if you find that tough to believe, just check out the list of releases lined up for 2007 based on sports — and you’ll feel the pace for sure. From UTV’s Hatrick, Goal and another unnamed project to Yash Raj Film’s Chak de India, besides films like Meerabai Not Out, Mukta Arts’ Cycle Kick and Ahmed Khan’s Yahan Ke Hum Sikander — this year belongs to the sports enthusiasts among Bollywood buffs.

Rewind in time and it’s clear that barring few and far between films such as Hip Hip Hurray, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Lagaan and most re-cently Iqbal, Bollywood is not really known for its love of sports.

But times are changing and this is the very first time that so many films around sports are being conceived — all slated to be released in the same year. An interesting feature is that it’s not just the drama and hype around cricket in India that’s attracting script writers and producers.

I am not impressed at all with this simply because Bollywood is not serious about bringing out the best from sports movies. In fact, in sports movies that Bollywood has presented so far- you can see the same Bollywood masala elements. Even in sports movies, Bollywood directors are eager to come up with nice music and dance and of course displaying the body parts of beautiful actresses. Lagaan is more of a love rectangle than a sports movie.