Dangal Movie Review 2024: Dangal is a 2016 Indian sports drama directed by Nitesh Tiwari, starring Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film is based on the true story of Phogat, a former wrestler who trains his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers.
Dangal Movie Review: Details
- Title: Dangal
- Director: Nitesh Tiwari
- Producers: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, Siddharth Roy Kapur
- Release Date: December 23, 2016
- Language: Hindi
- Runtime: 161 minutes
- Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Main Characters
- Mahavir Singh Phogat (Aamir Khan): A former wrestler who dreams of winning gold for India.
- Geeta Phogat (Fatima Sana Shaikh): The eldest daughter, who becomes India’s first female wrestler to win at the Commonwealth Games.
- Babita Kumari (Sanya Malhotra): The younger daughter, who also excels in wrestling and wins silver at the Commonwealth Games.
- Young Geeta and Babita (Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar): They portray the sisters in their younger years.
- Daya Shobha Kaur (Sakshi Tanwar): Mahavir’s supportive wife.
- Omkar (Aparshakti Khurana): Mahavir’s nephew, who provides comic relief and supports the family.
Plot Breakdown
Beginning
The Dangal Movie film opens with Mahavir Singh Phogat, who had to abandon his wrestling dreams due to financial constraints. Determined to win gold for India, he hopes for a son who can fulfill this ambition. However, he and his wife have four daughters. Initially disappointed, Mahavir notices his daughters’ potential when they defeat two boys in a fight.
Training Regimen
Realizing his daughters can excel in wrestling, Mahavir begins rigorous training, imposing strict discipline and physical workouts. This includes early morning runs, controlled diets, and wrestling matches against boys, challenging societal norms that discourage women in sports.
Rising Tensions
As the girl’s train, they face societal ridicule and resistance, but they persevere. Geeta and Babita enter local competitions, gradually earning respect and recognition. Mahavir’s unconventional methods sometimes strain the father-daughter relationship, especially as Geeta starts to question his authority after moving to the National Sports Academy.
Geeta’s Struggles
At the academy, Geeta undergoes formal training but struggles to adapt, losing focus and matches. Tension arises between Mahavir and Geeta due to differing training philosophies. The conflict reaches a peak when Geeta, after losing in an international competition, realizes the importance of her father’s training.
Climax
Geeta regains her determination and reconciles with Mahavir. She trains harder than ever, leading to her participation in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In a gripping final match, Geeta wins gold, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to achieve this feat. Babita also pursues her wrestling career, winning a silver medal.
Themes
- Gender Equality: Dangal Movie challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing that women can excel in male-dominated sports.
- Perseverance and Determination: The film emphasizes hard work, discipline, and dedication in achieving goals.
- Father-Daughter Relationship: It portrays a complex yet inspiring relationship between Mahavir and his daughters, highlighting love, conflict, and eventual understanding.
Cultural Impact
Dangal Movie had a profound impact, not just as a film but as a social commentary on gender norms in India. It inspired many young girls to pursue sports, breaking barriers in a patriarchal society. The movie’s success led to increased interest in wrestling and other sports among women.
Box Office Performance
Dangal Movie became a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹2,000 crores (approximately $300 million) worldwide. It became the highest-grossing Indian film at the time, with significant success in international markets, particularly in China, where it resonated with audiences.
Awards and Accolades
The film received numerous awards, including:
- National Film Awards: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- Filmfare Awards: Best Film, Best Director (Nitesh Tiwari), Best Actor (Aamir Khan), and Best Action.
- Asian Film Awards: Best Film and Best Actor nominations.
Soundtrack
The music of Dangal Movie, composed by Pritam with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, played a crucial role in the film’s success. Songs like “Haanikaarak Bapu,” “Dhaakad,” and the title track “Dangal” became popular for their catchy tunes and motivational lyrics.
Legacy
The Dangal Movie film continues to be celebrated for its portrayal of female empowerment and its contribution to Indian sports. It inspired a generation to rethink gender roles and highlighted the potential of women in various fields.
Additional Information
- Cinematography: Sethu Sriram’s cinematography captures the essence of rural India and the intensity of wrestling matches.
- Editing: Ballu Saluja’s editing keeps the pace engaging, balancing emotional and sports elements.
- Critical Reception: Dangal Movie received universal acclaim for its strong narrative, performances, and direction, being praised by critics and audiences alike.
Real-Life Impact
The success of Geeta and Babita Phogat in real life inspired many young athletes, and their story continues to be a symbol of hope and empowerment. Mahavir Singh Phogat’s coaching methods, though unconventional, showed the importance of discipline and determination in sports.
In summary, Dangal Movie is more than a film; it’s a powerful message about breaking stereotypes and believing in one’s dreams, regardless of societal constraints. Its impact transcends cinema, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and culture.
Dangal Movie Review 2024: Overview
Dangal Movie is not just a sports film but a compelling narrative about family, resilience, and breaking societal barriers. Its strong performances, particularly by Aamir Khan and the supporting cast, combined with its impactful storytelling and direction, make it a landmark film in Indian cinema.