Dangal Hindi Movie

Feature Film | 2016 | U | Biopic, Drama, Social Issues, Sports
Critics:
Audience:
An ex-wrestler channels his ambition for an international gold medal through his daughters and he trains them to fight. A quintessential sports movie, where everyone laughs at Geeta and Babita Phogat when their father pits them against boys in local 'Dangal' - a wrestling match, then hold them high when the two sisters win state and national competitions. Brilliant biographical tale that is a must watch.
Dec 22, 2016 By Manisha Lakhe


It is a wonderful telling of a true story that is poignant and inspiring as well as a reflection of the state of sports in the country. A paint by numbers sports movie where the underdog wins, you are happy to be manipulated into watching the story unfold.


Aamir Khan produces and acts in the movie directed marvelously by Nitesh Tiwari. It is the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an ex-wrestler who hopes his son will win the international medal in the sport. He has given up hopes because he only has daughters. But when he realises that his daughters have more spunk than he gave them credit, he trains them into becoming champions.


Now it's wholly predictable because the story is biographical. But Nitesh Tiwari has the rare talent to hold your attention throughout the telling of the tale, and has control of the star who generally tends to outshine everyone and everything else in his movies. Aamir Khan actually plays Mahavir Singh Phogat and the director manages to keep the star in check, without allowing Aamir a single triumphant see-i'm-a-perfectionist smirk. Mahavir the father and Mahavir the coach are two roles Aamir plays beautifully. Sakshi Tanwar, the perfect TV Bhabi manages to get into the role of Mahavir's wife.


The little Haryana town has been created wonderfully with all its eccentric characters and the story happens so naturally, you sit back and enjoy the popcorn. The training of Geeta and Babita, the townsfolk sniggering at Mahavir's efforts, the two girls and their cousin fighting the training tooth and nail then finally agreeing, the local 'dangals'(wrestling contests), the state championships, the national championships and so on...it follows a paint by numbers pattern. But the story is told from the point of view of the young cousin, forced to train with the girls, who grows up as one of the best characters we have seen introduced on screen this year. Actor Aparshakti Khurrana deserves kudos for keeping us glued to the screen by telling us the story in an engaging anecdotal manner.


The two girls Geeta and Babita are played by really sweet child stars Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar and they grow up to be Fatima Sana Sheikh and Sanya Malhotra. The little girls are just adorable. They try everything they possibly can to not become 'pehelwaans' their father wants them to be. They want wear nail polish, dance at weddings and eat chaat and pickles with their food.


The transformation of these kids into champion wrestlers is amazing. Indians tend to just look upon cricket as religion. This movie catapults and not so known sport of wrestling and bring it mainstream. Credit is hugely due to Aamir Khan for finding a cause for women's sports and the movie really, really works in that regard. Thankfully the preaching is restricted only to one dialog and it does not jar your senses that much.


Yes, the championship matches seem too long, but I suppose they are a necessary evil. They have been recreated brilliantly, and at one point in the semi-finals, the entire audience is holding its collective breath. And that's a triumph, isn't it?


This film has tears, patriotic heart-swell, happiness, frustration, anger, pain and everything you expect from a sports film. But it is wrapped in gentle humor and that makes this film a must see. It is a great way to end the year and will get counted as one of the ten best films of 2016.

Manisha Lakhe

   

USER REVIEWS
MUNIR Muhammad Muhammad

Amir Khan doesn't disappoint. The acting of Zaira and Fatima is superb.
Reney Sebastian

Dangal lekae aaya Aamir walli cyclone! A perfect way to end 2016 with a check on ones moral side. Dangal keeps you glued... Show more
Dangal lekae aaya Aamir walli cyclone! A perfect way to end 2016 with a check on ones moral side. Dangal keeps you glued on till the end with all the ingredients possible and succeeds in the same. Its not just the wrestling, it highlights the importance of values and relationships. A good boost up for everyone looking for new year resolutions!It carries a message that no one goes astray if the foundation is right. Bande ki mehnat ko saadar parnaam hai DANGAL!
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