Dangal, a sports drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was released on December 23, 2016. The movie is inspired by the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita. It highlights themes of determination, gender equality, and the pursuit of excellence. With a compelling narrative and powerful performances, Dangal has earned widespread acclaim, making it a must-watch for cinema lovers. This review delves into the various aspects of the film to give you an insightful perspective.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who dreams of winning a gold medal for India in wrestling. Unable to achieve his dream, he resolves to fulfill it through his future son. However, fate has different plans, and he ends up having four daughters. Initially disappointed, Mahavir soon realizes that his daughters have the potential to excel in wrestling. The film chronicles their rigorous training, struggles against societal norms, and their journey toward achieving greatness. Without giving away too much, Dangal is a tale of grit, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.
What’s Good?
One of the most striking aspects of Dangal is the stellar performance by Aamir Khan, who plays Mahavir Singh Phogat. Aamir’s physical transformation and his nuanced portrayal of a strict yet loving father are truly commendable. The young actresses, Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar, as the younger versions of Geeta and Babita, and Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as their older counterparts, deliver remarkable performances. Their dedication to the physically demanding roles is evident, adding authenticity to the film.
Nitesh Tiwari’s direction ensures that the narrative remains engaging and emotionally impactful. The wrestling sequences are choreographed with precision, making them realistic and thrilling to watch. Cinematographer Sethu Sriram beautifully captures the rustic charm of Haryana, enhancing the film’s visual appeal.
The music by Pritam, particularly songs like “Haanikaarak Bapu” and “Dhaakad,” complements the storytelling and resonates with the film’s themes. The background score by Sameer Uddin further elevates the emotional and dramatic moments.
The screenplay strikes a perfect balance between humor, drama, and action. The film’s exploration of gender issues and its portrayal of the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated sport add depth to the narrative. The dialogues are sharp and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Authentic Performances: The cast’s dedication to their roles is evident, especially in the wrestling scenes.
- Direction and Screenplay: Nitesh Tiwari’s storytelling keeps the audience hooked throughout.
- Themes of Empowerment: The film’s focus on gender equality and breaking stereotypes is both inspiring and relevant.
- Production Quality: High-quality cinematography and sound design enhance the viewing experience.
Weaknesses
- Pacing: The first half is slightly slow, with some scenes feeling stretched.
- Predictability: As a biographical film, the storyline follows a somewhat predictable trajectory.
- Limited Exploration of Side Characters: Some supporting characters could have been developed further to add more depth.
Target Audience
Dangal is a film that appeals to a wide range of viewers. Families will appreciate its heartwarming message and values, while sports enthusiasts will enjoy the intense wrestling sequences. It’s also a great choice for those who enjoy biographical dramas and stories of personal triumph. The movie’s universal themes make it suitable for audiences across different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
Box Office Details
Budget
The total budget of Dangal was approximately INR 70 crore.
Worldwide Box Office Collection
The film became a massive success, grossing over INR 2,024 crore worldwide. It broke several records, especially in overseas markets like China, where it resonated deeply with audiences.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: INR 29.78 crore (India), USD 2.5 million (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 34.82 crore (India), USD 3.1 million (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 42.35 crore (India), USD 3.5 million (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 25.48 crore (India), USD 2.8 million (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 23.07 crore (India), USD 2.4 million (Overseas)
The consistent earnings highlight the film’s strong word-of-mouth publicity and universal appeal. Its record-breaking run at the box office cemented its status as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Recommendation
Dangal is an inspiring and emotionally charged film that leaves a lasting impact. With exceptional performances, a powerful message, and gripping storytelling, it’s a cinematic gem that deserves to be watched. Whether you’re a fan of sports dramas or simply enjoy well-made films, Dangal is a must-watch experience that you won’t forget.
Genres:
Drama, Family, Comedy, Action
Rating:
7.9/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Aamir Khan | Mahavir Singh Phogat |
| Fatima Sana Shaikh | Geeta Phogat |
| Sanya Malhotra | Babita Kumari |
| Zaira Wasim | Young Geeta |
| Suhani Bhatnagar | Young Babita |
| Aparshakti Khurana | Omkar |
| Girish Kulkarni | Coach Pramod Kadam |
| Sakshi Tanwar | Daya Kaur |
| Vivan Bhatena | Harkinder |
| Ritwik Sahore | Young Omkar |
| Ravi Aneja | Referee |
| Anuraag Arora | Mahavir’s Brother |
| Mahesh Balraj | Organiser |
| Anmol Charan | Little Omkar |
| Karamveer Choudhary | Father of Mahaveer Singh Fogat |
| Ishika Gagneja | Sunita |
| Badrul Islam | Chicken Shop owner |
| Jagbir | Government Officer |
| Olamilekan Akanbi Jason | Nigeria Coach |
| Hafiz Khan | Sammar |
| Sumit Khanna | Mahavir’s Boss |
| Meenu Prajapati | Laali |
| Ansh Rathore | Official |
| Shishir Sharma | Head of Department of the NSA |
| Gurpreet Toti | Video Parlour Guy |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
