6 Best Sports Dramas Like 'Sitaare Zameen Par' about Life-Changing Mentorship

Aamir Khan’s latest film, Sitaare Zameen Par, has opened to great reviews from critics and audiences alike. The wholesome, feel-good film about a basketball player coaching a team of talented neurodivergent kids has received a lot of love and attention from people.

Bollywood has a host of such films about life-changing mentorship that uplifts sportspersons and makes them reach high for the stars. Here are a few such sports dramas that focus on inspiring stories of mentorship.

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1. Chak De! India

It would be a sin to start this list without mentioning this film that is considered, to this day, one of Shah Rukh Khan’s best performances and a formidable sports drama. A former hockey star Kabir Khan, played by Shah Rukh Khan, returns as the coach of the Indian women's national hockey team, determined to prove his loyalty to the nation after a scandal tarnishes his name.

What begins as a team of misfits transforms into a united, powerhouse squad under his strict but inspiring mentorship.

2. Iqbal

Iqbal is a heartwarming story about a deaf and mute boy from a small village who dreams of playing cricket for India. Despite having no support from his father and facing many challenges along the way, he finds an unlikely mentor in a former cricketer played by Naseeruddin Shah.

With determination and training, Iqbal fights against the odds to chase his dream. Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, it’s an inspiring watch about believing in yourself and never giving up.

3. Ghoomer

Ghoomer follows Anina, a rising cricketer whose dreams are shattered after she loses her right hand in an accident. Just when she’s ready to give up, a failed ex-cricketer, played by Abhishek Bachchan, enters her life as a tough but passionate coach.

Together, they reinvent her game and give her a new way to bowl. It’s a moving story of resilience, second chances, and how the right mentor can help you spin life around.

4. Maidaan

Maidaan is based on the true story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the legendary football coach who shaped Indian football in the 1950s and 60s. Played by Ajay Devgn, Rahim builds a team from scratch and leads them to international glory despite a lack of resources and recognition.

It’s an inspiring tale of leadership, belief, and the power of a mentor who sees potential where no one else does.

5. Saala Khadoos

Saala Khadoos follows a grumpy and disgraced boxing coach Aditya, played by R. Madhavan, who discovers raw talent in a fiery young fish-seller named Madhi. Despite their clashes, he trains her for the national boxing championship.

It's a gritty, feel-good story about tough love, second chances, and how the right mentor can change your life forever. The Tamil film, Iridhi Suttru, was released in the North in its Hindi version as Saala Khadoos.

6. Jhund

Jhund is inspired by the real-life story of Vijay Barse, a retired sports teacher who starts a football team with underprivileged kids from a slum. Played by Amitabh Bachchan, he mentors them away from crime and addiction, using football as a tool for change.

It’s a heartwarming story of hope, purpose, and how the right mentor can turn a jhund (herd) into a team.