A recent favourite film based on football is Golondaaj, based on the life of football legend, Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari. A story about identity and self-respect set in the pre-Independence era, it depicts how the young footballer dreamt of defeating the British at their own game. He set up clubs where boys could learn and practice the game. He looks for competent players who can form a team and win against the British footballers. A boatman, blacksmith, a postman, and many others from different humble professions are selected by him on the basis of their talent, persistence and determination. He makes several enemies and is injured badly and even sent to jail wrongfully so that his mission to build a great football team fails. The climax is full of drama and emotion as Nagendra comes out of prison in time to play the second half of a game against the British.

This spectacular movie has an awesome narration by actor Anirban Bhattacharya, who has some special appearances as well, along with a superb casting consisting of Dev, Ishaa Saha, Agnijit Sen and others. (Which is your favourite film based on football?... April 1)

Moubani Paul

The Goal (1999) is one of the finest movies by a young Irrfan Khan. The story written by Prafulla Roy is about young football players in a small town in Bengal, Amragarh. The film is not only about football but also about fighting social inequality and giving the right direction to a child’s mind. Football coach Anupam (Irrfan Khan) is introduced to some young players by their guardian and the benefactor of the team Eleven Bullets. The goal of the families and the owner of the club is to win a championship. The conflict in the film arises when Anupam wants Manu (Tapas Dhali) a talented player, but from a lower caste, to be a part of the team. But when his team owner refuses to take Manu, Anupam gets Manu to join the rival team, which finally wins.

The beautiful concept of this movie, added to Irrfan Khan’s heartwarming performance, excellent cinematography by Aryan Kanakia and, of course, director Gul Bahar Singh’s making, made this movie remarkable. This movie got lots of awards and appreciation from viewers.

Sarbani Banerjee

My favourite film based on football is Saheb (1981) directed by Bijoy Bose. Though the film was not entirely based on football, but the spirit of the game formed the essence of the highly educative family drama.

It is about a talented goalkeeper, but the ‘good for nothing’ unemployed young man Saheb from a lower middle-class family, who ensures the marriage of his sister by arranging the funds by sacrificing one of his kidneys. He not only saved his family from ruin, but sacrificed his highly promising football career.

Tarun Bandyopadhyay’s iconic song ‘Ekta cup ekta shield medal aktao chhaarbo na, Ei jiboner kono khelai kono din-o aami harbo na’ excelled above the literal meaning and embodied the theme of the film and Saheb’s spirit, who proved through his action that he did not get defeated in the game of life

Even after four decades, Saheb continues to be relished by film connoisseurs, thanks to brilliant acting by Tapas Paul, Utpal Dutt and Madhabi Mukherjee, to name a few.

Kajal Chatterjee

My favourite movie on football is Egaro: The Eleven. It is a Bengali sports film based on a true event. It was directed by debutant director Arun Roy. The film is based on the historical football match between Mohun Bagan and East Yorkshire Regiment on July 29 1911, when India was under British rule. This was the first time when Mohun Bagan, or any native team won the IFA Shield. Being a Mohun Bagan supporter, this movie is an inspiration; it is not only about football but more about the spirit to fight against the brutality of British bondage.

Though there were many technical faults on which the director needed to focus, but the reconstruction of the match-winning shot by Shibdas Bhaduri makes us overlook these faults and always gives us goosebumps. It is a movie that catches the spirit of nationalism perfectly, while portraying how the game reinforced our freedom struggle.

Puhabi Das

My favourite football-based film is Dhanni Meye. The film was released during the ’70s. In this comedy, Uttam Kumar played the pivotal role and was ably supported by actors like Jaya Bhaduri, Partha Mukherjee, Rabi Ghosh and others. The songs of the film are very popular even today.

Partha Banerjee

Shaolin Soccer is one of the greatest and funniest films I have ever watched. The former Shaolin monk reunites with his brothers after their master dies. They decide to honour him by using their superhuman abilities, gained through meditation, to win a football tournament. The film is absolutely crazy and fun to watch. A complete pleasure.

Nili Ghosh

My favourite film based on football is Goal! The Dream Begins (2005) directed by Danny Canon. Starring Kuno Becker as the protagonist Santiago, the sports drama film unfolds his inspirational journey from the suburbs of Los Angeles as an amateur footballer to a leading goal-scorer for the prestigious football club Newcastle United. Packed with an array of emotions, the film artistically portrays a dreamer’s unflinching desire to chase his dreams irrespective of the hurdles in their path. Hardships and rejections, along with dedication, compose the mettle of a champion and guide him to face every challenge. The film’s focus on courage and tenacity serves as a role model for passionate youngsters.

Ranging from its impressive cinematography to rip-roaring sports sequences, the film leaves a lasting impact on both sports and cinema enthusiasts. Besides being a well-written character, Santiago wonderfully encapsulated the indomitable spirit of every youngster who has set big goals for themselves in a money-driven world. I believe it is one of those finely-crafted films which deserves more appreciation for its poignant storytelling and marvellous execution. Special mention to Becker for bringing Santiago’s character to life.

Aayman Anwar Ali

Bend It Like Beckham is my favourite football movie. In the film, a young girl nurtures the ambition of becoming a footballer. David Beckham is her idol. She wanted to play like him. She became a successful football player. She wanted to score like him. She did. The ball swerved around and went into the net. She got her wish put into her cup of dreams.

Her determination, dedication and sweat-dripping hard work made it happen. I drop my hat and wish that we could have more such ambitious players.

Kousik Majumdar

My favourite football-centric films are two Bengali movies. The Arabinda Mukhopadhyay-directed 1971 romantic comedy Dhanni Meye starring Uttam Kumar, Sabitri Chattopadhyay, Jaya Bhaduri and Partha Mukherjee. And the heart-touching 1981 Bijoy Bose directorial Saheb starring Tapas Paul, Utpal Dutt and Madhabi Mukherjee.

Sourish Misra