The Indian Premier League is pretty much the top league in the world when it comes to the T20 version of the game. When the IPL kicks off in the distant United Arab Emirates from tomorrow (September 19), it has been withdrawn from India due to Covid-19 restrictions here – the mood across the country is decidedly cricket. Anything that can distract the public from the haunting pandemic is also, in a sense, welcome. To go with the cricket-centric emotions we have this week, for our weekly OTT recommendations, sticking to the sport itself. Within months we had compiled a similar list. But this week, we've picked five different types of movies and series that will align with the prevailing sentiments. And we start, inevitably, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, much of whose great legend in India has been built around the IPL and his exploits as captain of the perennial favorite Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
Director: Neeraj Pandey Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Kiara Advani, Disha Patani, Anupam Kher Synopsis: One of India's charismatic and successful captains, the impact of MS Dhoni extends beyond cricket. His dizzying rise in gaming and as an icon of modern India has given the people of the country (Dhoni is from the unglamorous Ranchi) new hope and conviction. And India has changed for the better ever since. The film primarily focuses on Dhoni's debut achievement as an international player, which peaked with a memorable six to seal India's victory over Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final. It is essentially a film. to feel good, and Dhoni's success is mostly the triumph of the underdog, which is the main trope of all sports movies. It is a minor tragedy that Sushant Singh Rajput, who played Dhoni in the film, recently committed suicide. Language: Hindi Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Sachin: a billion dreams
Director: James Erskine Starring: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni Synopsis: In the world of sports there is only one claim that is never disputed: Don Bradman is the greatest drummer to ever play the game. Okay, there is one more unmistakable fact: none Cricketer is loved by his country's fans any more than Sachin Tendulkar is loved by millions and millions of Indians. He is a cricket god. And that's not the exaggeration of a sportswriter. Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a documentary about his life and his sports. This is, once again, a victory for the human spirit in the face of a myriad of pressures. It is also about his transformation from a young powerhouse to a global cricketing icon. The highlight, of course, was the 2011 World Cup win. It's been a brilliant and long career, which is hard to come by. The documentary was shot simultaneously in Hindi, Marathi and English. And had dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions. Language: Hindi, Marathi, English, Tamil and Telugu Platform: SonyLIV
Babylon fire
Director: Stevan Riley Cast: Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Deryck Murray, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Gordon Greenidge, Joel Garner Synopsis: For nearly a decade and a half (75-90), the West Indies were arguably the best world cricket team No other cricketing power had dominated the game so much. His cricket was built on an endless supply chain of brutal fast bowling, aggressive batsmen, and athletic field. This highly recommended documentary traces the rise of the West Indies, from a disparate group of talented people to an ultra-conquering fighting unit. The racial struggle that black cricketers in the Caribbean islands have had to face is the subtext of this emotional documentary. If you like sports and history, this will be perfect for you. French language Platform: YouTube
Iqbal
Director: Nagesh Kukunoor Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shreyas Talpade, Girish Karnad, Shweta Basu Prasad Synopsis: Most sports movies have a common riff. A young athlete or a team overcoming enormous difficulties, and with little chance of triumphing at the last obstacle, in a catharsis of joy and hope. But a well-made sports movie is never boring if you know its history. You are absorbed by the "process". Iqbal is one of those movies that talks about the trials and tribulations of a deaf and dumb boy. Obviously, he is put off by those around him. But he pursues his dream with dignity and passion. The rest is a good story. Language: Hindi Platform: Zee5
Inner edge
Director: Karan Anshuman Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, Tanuj Virwani, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Angad Bedi, Aamir Bashir, Sapna Pabbi Synopsis: The IPL, while offering exciting top-tier cricket, has also been mired in controversy involving to some franchise club owners and some players. Illegal betting and match-fixing are a weak spot in the league and cast their dark shadow for some seasons. Naturally, the cricket side-show involving money, stars, sex, glamour, gambling and behind-the-back intrigue lends itself to on-screen drama. It's no surprise that all the dark antics have led to a successful two-season run. And it had a strong cast. This will make a captivating yet understated watch during IPL hours. Language: Hindi Platform: Amazon Prime So this week, as you prepare to watch the cricket action, you can also prepare with these movies and series. On the screen and on the field, you can enjoy great drama!