Dangal is an inspiring sports drama film that hit the theaters on December 23, 2016. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it tells the incredible real-life story of a former wrestler, Mahavir Singh Phogat, and his determination to train his daughters to become world-class wrestlers. The film falls under the sports, drama, and biographical genre, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of women’s wrestling in India, a subject that hadn’t been explored much before. With a stellar cast featuring Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanya Malhotra, Dangal quickly became a huge success, touching hearts with its emotional storytelling and strong performances.
The movie is not just about sports; it’s a powerful narrative of ambition, sacrifice, and breaking societal norms. The combination of these themes makes it much more than just another sports movie, and it has a message that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. In this review, we will dive into the key aspects of the film, its strengths and weaknesses, box office performance, and who will enjoy watching it the most.
Plot Summary
Dangal is based on the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan), a wrestler who dreams of winning a gold medal for India. However, when he is unable to achieve this, he shifts his focus to his children. He has four daughters, and after an unfortunate incident where his daughters get into a fight with local boys, Mahavir realizes that they have the potential to become wrestlers. Despite societal opposition and financial struggles, Mahavir trains his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to compete in wrestling competitions, ultimately making their names known in the world of sports.
The film moves through the phases of their life, showing their rise through challenges, the physical and emotional tolls of training, and their journey to success. With intense training montages, emotional breakthroughs, and moments of personal sacrifice, Dangal gives an authentic portrayal of the Phogat family’s journey, especially highlighting Geeta Phogat’s victory at the Commonwealth Games.
What’s Good?
One of the best aspects of Dangal is undoubtedly the acting, particularly Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat. Aamir, known for his dedication to roles, transformed into a middle-aged father and former wrestler with an impressive performance. His physical transformation was remarkable, as he not only gained weight but also adapted his mannerisms to portray a determined and loving father. The two actresses playing his daughters, Fatima Sana Shaikh (Geeta Phogat) and Sanya Malhotra (Babita Kumari), were equally exceptional. Their commitment to the roles, both physically and emotionally, was evident throughout the film.
The direction by Nitesh Tiwari is spot-on, keeping the film’s pace engaging without ever losing sight of the emotional core of the story. The script, co-written by Tiwari and Piyush Gupta, provides a good balance between drama, sports action, and emotional depth. The training sequences, filled with both intensity and humor, stand out as highlights. The film also does a great job of depicting the gritty realities of wrestling and the challenges women face in a male-dominated society.
Music plays a key role in elevating the storytelling. Songs like “Haanikaarak Bapu” and “Dangal” are not only catchy but also serve the narrative. The background score adds a lot to the emotional scenes, supporting the viewer in connecting deeply with the characters.
From a cinematographic perspective, Dangal captures the rustic, rural setting beautifully, with scenes shot in realistic locations that add to the authenticity of the narrative. The fight sequences, often intense, are well choreographed, making it clear that the filmmakers took great care in showcasing the sport in a way that was both realistic and exciting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
The most notable strength of Dangal is its heart. The emotional depth is unmatched, as it not only portrays the physical struggle of the Phogat sisters but also the mental and emotional hurdles they had to overcome. The relationship between father and daughters is central to the film, and the way Aamir Khan and his on-screen daughters convey this bond is touching and real.
The transformation of the young girls into professional wrestlers is incredibly inspiring. The film beautifully shows how the sisters, especially Geeta, initially struggle with their training and how their growth reflects a larger social commentary about gender equality. The inspirational moments, combined with fantastic acting and direction, make Dangal a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
Weaknesses:
While the film has few noticeable weaknesses, some viewers may feel that the pacing slows down during certain segments, especially the training montages in the middle of the film. Although these scenes are important for character development, they may feel repetitive for some viewers.
Another small critique could be that some of the side characters, like the coach or the other competitors, were not as fleshed out as they could have been. While this doesn’t significantly detract from the story, a bit more development in these characters could have added more depth to the narrative.
Target Audience
Dangal is a movie that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Families, especially parents and children, will find the film’s heartwarming message of determination and familial bonds inspiring. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the depiction of wrestling and the challenges athletes face. The movie’s focus on women’s empowerment and gender equality also makes it relevant to audiences interested in social issues. Additionally, fans of emotional dramas will be deeply moved by the film’s portrayal of personal struggles and triumphs.
Box Office Details
Dangal was a massive success both in India and internationally. The movie had a production budget of approximately ₹70 crore (INR 700 million). In terms of box office performance, the movie earned over ₹2,000 crore (INR 2 billion) worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Here’s a breakdown of the box office earnings during the first five days of release:
| Day | India (INR) | Overseas (INR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹29.78 crore | ₹3.58 crore | ₹33.36 crore |
| Day 2 | ₹34.82 crore | ₹4.20 crore | ₹39.02 crore |
| Day 3 | ₹42.06 crore | ₹5.12 crore | ₹47.18 crore |
| Day 4 | ₹25.73 crore | ₹3.68 crore | ₹29.41 crore |
| Day 5 | ₹22.66 crore | ₹3.21 crore | ₹25.87 crore |
These earnings reflect the immense popularity of the film, which continued to perform well even after its opening weekend. The movie’s universal themes of hard work and breaking barriers contributed to its wide appeal.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Dangal is a powerful, emotional, and inspiring film that excels in every department, from acting to direction. Its messages of perseverance, family, and empowerment are universally appealing. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a motivational and heartwarming watch. It’s a film that will stay with you long after it ends.