2016 to be year of biopics, sequels in Bollywood

Mumbai: From multi-starrer big budget films to small independent cinema, Bollywood will witness the release of various biopics, sports dramas and sequels in the year 2016, a trend it chose to carry forward from last year.

Starting with the theme of sports-drama, will be actor R Madhavan's "Saala Khadoos". The film, produced by filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, is written and directed by Sudha Kongara.

The film features Madhavan as a hard task-master boxing coach and also stars kickboxer Ritika Singh.

The next in line is superstar Salman Khan's "Sultan", who will be seen in a completely new look as a wrestler. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and backed the YRF Film, the sports-drama features the 50-year-old actor in a beefed up avatar.

While both "Saala Khadoos" and "Sultan" are fictional stories, there are nearly four biopics on sports personalities lined up this year.

Superstar Aamir Khan is currently shooting for his Christmas release, "Dangal". Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film will see Aamir in the role of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who taught wrestling to his daughters, Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat.

Both movie buffs and cricket enthusiasts will be up for a treat this year with biopics on two cricket greats with actor Emraan Hashmi featuring in "Azhar" while Sushant Singh Rajput in "Dhoni: The Untold Story".

"Azhar", the biographical-sports drama based on the life of former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin, is directed by Tony D'Souza and is set to release in May.

Neeraj Pandey's "Dhoni: The Untold Story" will have Sushant playing Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film is likely to release on September 2.

A movie on the life of ace Badminton champion Saina Nehwal has also been announced, which will be directed by Amole Gupte.