Dangal

Dangal
Name	Dangal
Director	Nitesh Tiwari
Producer	Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao
Starring	Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra
Music	Pritam
Cinematography	Satyajit Pande (Setu)
Editing	Ballu Saluja
Studio	Aamir Khan Productions, UTV Motion Pictures
Distributor	UTV Motion Pictures
Release date	2016
Runtime	161 minutes
Country	India
Language	Hindi

Dangal is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film stars Aamir Khan as former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and follows his training of his daughters to become world-class wrestlers, depicting their rise from Haryana to international competition. The film combines elements of sports, family drama, social commentary, and biographical narrative and became notable for its commercial success and cultural impact.

Plot

The narrative begins in rural Balali, introducing Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former hopeful wrestler influenced by figures like Sushil Kumar, Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, and events such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Motivated by the defeat at the hands of international wrestlers at tournaments like the Olympic Games, Mahavir vows to train a son; when circumstances yield daughters, he resolves to groom them into champions. Training montages reference techniques linked to traditions from Hind Kesari contests, Bharat Kesari trophies, and coaching methods similar to those used by Yashvir Singh and other noted coaches. The daughters face societal resistance from local figures, village elders, and institutions reminiscent of disputes seen in cases involving National Commission for Women and campaigns by Baba Ramdev-era conservative commentators. Progressing through state championships, national trials, and international meets such as the World Wrestling Championships and Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, they confront competitors from countries including Japan, Iran, and China. Climactic sequences depict qualification for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and confrontations with opponents who echo real athletes like Geeta Phogat's contemporaries. The plot weaves personal dynamics involving family members, community leaders, and bureaucratic officials, culminating in podium victories and public recognition from sports bodies such as the Indian Olympic Association.

Cast

The principal cast includes actors portraying figures tied to pan-Indian sports and cultural institutions: Aamir Khan (portraying Mahavir Singh Phogat), Sakshi Tanwar (as Mahavir's wife, inspired by Daya Shobha-type matriarchs), Fatima Sana Shaikh (as the elder daughter paralleling Geeta Phogat), Sanya Malhotra (as the younger daughter paralleling Babita Phogat), supported by portrayals of coaches, rivals, and officials evocative of persons associated with bodies such as the Wrestling Federation of India, Sports Authority of India, and training centers like the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. The ensemble features actors who depict mentors and antagonists resembling personalities from regional politics in Haryana, journalists from outlets such as The Times of India and Hindustan Times, and commentators with connections to Doordarshan and ESPN Star Sports.

Production

Pre-production involved research into the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat and interactions with athletes from institutions like the Commonwealth Games Federation and coaches with ties to the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports. Filming locations included villages in Gurgaon, training grounds similar to facilities at the International Sports University and stadiums used for events like the National Games of India. The production coordinated with sports federations such as the Wrestling Federation of India for authenticity in techniques and gear used in matches, referencing rulebooks influenced by the United World Wrestling (formerly FILA). The director collaborated with choreographers who had worked with performers in productions for Bollywood and technicians experienced in recording athletics sequences for broadcasters like Star Sports. Costume and makeup teams studied attire from historic events including the Asian Games and awards presentations at ceremonies like the Padma Awards.

Release and box office

The film premiered in India and received wide distribution through companies such as UTV Motion Pictures and exhibitor chains including PVR Cinemas and INOX Leisure. International releases targeted markets with significant South Asian diasporas, involving distributors active in countries hosting events like the Toronto International Film Festival and partnerships with chains analogous to AMC Theatres in North America and distributors reaching markets in China, United Kingdom, Australia, and United Arab Emirates. Box office collections were reported relative to benchmarks set by films starring Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar, and the film broke records on par with high-grossing releases such as Baahubali: The Beginning and PK. The commercial performance attracted attention from trade analysts at outlets like Box Office India, IMDb, and Forbes.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception included analysis by critics from publications like The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Filmfare, and international outlets such as Variety and The Guardian. The film sparked conversations on gender roles in regions like Haryana, prompting commentary from activists associated with organizations such as Women and Child Development Ministry-linked programs and references to athletes like Sakshi Malik and Mary Kom. Awards recognition included nominations and wins at ceremonies akin to the Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards, and international film festivals like Shanghai International Film Festival. Its legacy influenced sports policy debates involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, inspired programs at institutions such as the National Sports Development Fund, and encouraged biographical portrayals of athletes in Indian cinema similar to films about Mary Kom and M.S. Dhoni. The film's impact on popular culture was noted in media analysis by BBC News, Al Jazeera, and regional broadcasters.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Pritam with tracks performed by singers associated with playback music in Indian cinema and promotion through labels similar to T-Series and Zee Music Company. Songs accompanied promotional tie-ins on platforms like YouTube and were featured during award shows such as the IIFA Awards and ceremonies like the Screen Awards. Background score and use of regional folk motifs drew from traditions in Haryana and northern Indian musical forms, paralleling arrangements used in other sports biopics and collaborations with musicians who have worked on films starring actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan.

Category:2016 films