Auckland audiences will have the chance to watch some of Bollywood’s most popular sports films on the big screen for free as part of celebrations marking 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India.
The film showcase will run from October 29 to November 22, with screenings scheduled across Takanini, central Auckland, West Auckland and Ponsonby.
The line-up includes popular titles such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Dangal and Mary Kom, alongside Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, Kai Po Che, Mr & Mrs Mahi and the new Punjabi release Thaapi.
Tickets will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Screening details will be added to Eventfinda as they are confirmed, with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story the first film listed so far.
Celebrating a century of sporting ties
The showcase forms part of the wider 100 Years of Unity Through Sport programme, marking a century of sporting connections between New Zealand and India.
The relationship dates back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand. This year, a series of sporting, cultural and community events is being held across the country to commemorate the milestone.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland’s cultural, events and destination agency, is supporting Auckland’s role as a leading host city for the programme through its Auckland Council Events arm.
Annie Dundas, Director of Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said the Indian sports film screenings added a distinctive cultural element to the centenary celebrations.
“India has a rich tradition of sporting films that capture everything from the excitement of competition to the personal stories of courage, determination and triumph behind it.
“Bringing these stories to Auckland audiences is a fantastic way to celebrate Indian cinema and culture, while offering something different as part of the wider 100 Years of Unity Through Sport programme,” says Annie Dundas.
Through films covering cricket, boxing, wrestling and football, the Auckland programme aims to celebrate the sporting connection while highlighting the role Indian cinema has played in telling stories of sporting achievement, perseverance and determination.
Cinema brings sporting stories to life
The films are being brought back to cinemas by Forum Films.
Company director Pritesh Raniga said cinema offered a way to celebrate the shared sporting history while bringing communities together.
"Bringing these films back to cinemas allows us to celebrate 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand in a way that is entertaining, accessible and brings families and communities together."
What audiences can watch?
The programme features a range of films inspired by sporting journeys and the people behind them.
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story follows the rise of one of India's most celebrated cricketers, while Mary Kom tells the story of the Olympic boxer. Dangal explores wrestling through the journey of the Phogat family.
Football takes centre stage in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, while Kai Po Che combines cricket, friendship and social change. Mr & Mrs Mahi also places cricket at the heart of its story, with the line-up rounded out by the Punjabi release Thaapi.
The showcase will conclude on November 22 with Dangal, which has been billed as the programme's grand finale across Auckland.
By holding screenings across several suburbs rather than limiting them to one central location, organisers hope to make the films accessible to a wider audience and encourage families and communities to take part.
The free screenings offer Aucklanders an opportunity to revisit popular Indian sporting stories while celebrating a century of sporting connections between the two countries.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment