India’s obsession with Pakistan, even sports films are not made without Pakistan

Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has often used real-world political and cultural relationships as part of its storytelling. One recurring theme in several films is the portrayal of India–Pakistan relations, where Pakistan is frequently shown as a rival in both action and sports-related narratives.

In some critics’ view, a number of Bollywood films have portrayed historical or political situations in a way that appears one-sided, where Pakistan or Muslim characters are sometimes shown in a negative or simplified light. However, filmmakers generally present these stories as fictional or dramatized versions created for entertainment purposes.

This pattern can also be observed in certain sports-based films. Movies such as Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii, Dil Bole Hadippa, and Dishoom have used India–Pakistan sporting rivalry as a major plot element. In these films, the climax often features an India–Pakistan match where the Indian team wins, which follows a common cinematic formula of building tension through a strong rival and ending with victory.

Critics argue that in some cases, the depiction of the opposing team, including Pakistan, is not deeply developed and is mainly used as a narrative device rather than a realistic sporting representation. They also point out that other strong cricketing nations like Australia or England could have been used as final opponents, as they are also major global rivals in cricket.

Of course, films made in India are primarily for entertainment purposes. However, in sports films, Pakistan is often used as the main rival, with storylines ending in India’s victory over them. Critics argue that other strong teams such as England or Australia could also be shown as equally challenging opponents.

For example, in Shah Rukh Khan’s film Chak De! India, which promotes hockey as a sport, the Indian team faces Australia in the final rather than Pakistan. Shah Rukh Khan’s character, a Muslim player-turned-coach, leads the Indian women’s hockey team to victory. In this film, India–Pakistan rivalry is not emphasized in the same way as it is in many other Bollywood sports films, and the focus remains on teamwork, discipline, and sports development.

Overall, Bollywood sports films tend to rely on rivalry-driven storytelling, and India–Pakistan matches are often used due to their high emotional and audience impact. Whether this trend should be changed or diversified remains a subject of debate among viewers and critics.

Report Sabih Salik