Yuvraj Singh Biopic: From MS Dhoni Untold Story to 83 - 5 Movies Based on Indian Cricketers

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A biographical film showcasing the incredible journey of former Indian cricket Yuvraj Singh was announced earlier this week by the film-makers as the movie is set to join exclusive list of biopics based on Indian cricketers.

The Yuvraj Singh biopic, which is yet to receive a title, will be produced by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series and co-produced by Ravi Bhagchandka, known for "Sachin: A Billion Dreams" and the upcoming Aamir Khan-starrer "Sitaare Zameen Par".

While the cast is yet to be revealed, a press release said the Yuvraj Singh movie will be a "grand celebration of Singh's unparalleled journey and contributions to cricket, capturing the essence of his career, unforgettable six sixes in the 2007 T20 World Cup, his courageous off-field battles and his subsequent return to cricket in 2012".

As mentioned earlier, Yuvraj will join several other Indian cricketers on whom a biopic has been made so far. The first Indian biopic that achieved massive success at the box office was MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, featuring Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead role.

The film was a mega blockbuster and set a new trend for sports biopics in Indian cinema. However, this trend soon became repetitive as Azhar starred by Emraan Hashmi, who played the role of former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin also was released on silver screen.

After these two movies, Sachin: A Billion Dreams, a biopic about the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, was released. Despite Sachin's god-like status in India, the documentary film failed to make a significant impact at the box office.

Later in 2021, 83, starring Ranveer Singh, which chronicled India's historic win in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, highlighting the achievements of Kapil Dev, was released. But, the film turned out to be one of the biggest box office failures in recent times.

In 2022, Shabaash Mithu, a movie based on former Indian women's captain Mithali Raj, and Kaun Pravin Tambe?, a film on Pravin Tambe, who earned fame from his stint in Indian Premier League, also made it to the cinemas. Here is a look at the films based on Indian cricketers:

Biopics on Indian Cricketers

MS Dhoni: The Untold Story - Based on India's double World Cup-winning skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, portrayed by Sushanth Singh Rajput and directed by Neeraj Pandey was released in 2016.

Azhar - Based on former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, played by Emraan Hashmi and directed by Tony D'Souza, was also released in 2016.

Sachin: A Billion Dreams - a documentary film based on Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar, played by the cricketer himself and directed by James Erskine, was released in 2017.

83 - A film based on the 1983 World Cup winning team and the role played by skipper Kapil Dev, was released in 2021, directed by Kabir Khan and enacted by several stars, including Ranveer Singh, who played the lead role, portraying the character of the skipper.

Shabaash Mithu - Based on India's greatest woman cricketers-Mithali Raj, directed by Srijit Mukherjee, and main role portrayed by Taapsee Pannu was released in 2022.

Kaun Pravin Tambe? - Based on leg-spinner Pravin Tambe, who made his IPL debut at 41, an age when most players would have retired. The movie directed by Jayprad Desai and a role portrayed by Shreyas Talpade, was also released in 2022.

800, is another movie based on a cricketer. It was biopic that showcased the journey of Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan, while there are several other documentaries on OTT platforms on cricket teams.