INVC NEWS
Mumbai – India has witnessed an array of inspirational sports biopics that have graced the silver screen. Films like Mary Kom, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag have struck a chord with audiences, celebrating the incredible journeys of our sporting legends. The genre of sports biopics has become a favorite among filmmakers, tapping into the public’s admiration for athletes who have excelled on the global stage. Among these revered athletes stands Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic gold medalist in javelin, a sports icon whose story is eagerly anticipated in cinematic form.
The Popularity of Sports Biopics
Sports biopics have always resonated with moviegoers due to the inherent drama, grit, and triumphs that sports provide. Audiences are drawn to real-life stories of athletes who overcome challenges, persevere through hardship, and eventually rise to greatness. Films like Chakda ‘Xpress, which chronicles the life of Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, starring Anushka Sharma, are already in the pipeline. Neeraj Chopra, with his meteoric rise in the world of athletics, is another athlete whose journey is seen as biopic-worthy.
Will a Biopic on Neeraj Chopra Be Made?
Though the idea of a Neeraj Chopra biopic has circulated for some time, no formal announcement has been made by any production house. However, in a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Neeraj himself addressed the prospect of such a film. While he expressed that it might be “too early” to make a biopic on him, given his ongoing career, he did reveal that if and when a film is made, he has a strong opinion about who should portray him on screen. Chopra mentioned, “I think a biopic should be made on a person after he retires,” emphasizing that there’s much more he hopes to achieve for the country and his sport before his life is depicted on film.
Neeraj Chopra’s Humble Rise to Stardom
Born in Khandra, Haryana, Neeraj Chopra’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in rural India to becoming the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, Chopra’s story is one of determination, discipline, and dedication. He captivated the world with his historic victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, clinching the gold medal with a spectacular 87.58m throw.
The story of how a young boy from Haryana took up the sport and went on to reach such heights is undoubtedly a compelling narrative that would translate well on the big screen. It is a story that captures not just his sporting achievements, but also his deep connection to his roots and the support of his community in shaping him into the athlete he is today.
Neeraj Chopra’s Choice: Randeep Hooda
When asked about which actor he would like to see portraying him in a potential biopic, Neeraj Chopra didn’t hesitate to mention Randeep Hooda. Neeraj elaborated, “I can only think of Randeep Hooda. He is a great actor and he is from Haryana. It is important that whoever plays the role speaks the language of that place correctly.”
This suggestion is not without merit. Randeep Hooda, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence, hails from Haryana, just like Neeraj. His command over the Haryanvi dialect and his ability to embody intense, real-life characters make him a natural choice to portray Chopra. Hooda has delivered strong performances in biopics before, most notably in Sarbjit, where he portrayed the titular character in a film about a man wrongfully imprisoned in Pakistan. His rugged persona, coupled with his deep understanding of rural Haryana, positions him as a prime candidate to bring Neeraj’s journey to life.
Why Randeep Hooda Would Be a Perfect Fit
Randeep Hooda has earned accolades for his raw, authentic performances in films that require him to inhabit the character fully. His ability to delve into the psyche of real-life figures has been seen time and again in his filmography. From his portrayal of the Indian revolutionary Veer Savarkar in Swatantra Veer Savarkar to his role in Sarbjit, Hooda has demonstrated a keen ability to bring out the human emotions, struggles, and triumphs of his characters. His experience with physically demanding roles would also be an asset when portraying the life of an elite athlete like Chopra.
Moreover, Hooda’s background in equestrian sports provides him with a unique insight into the discipline and rigor required of a professional athlete, which would further enhance the authenticity of his performance in a potential Neeraj Chopra biopic.
