Dangal
2016 · Directed by Nitesh Tiwari
Original language: Hindi
- drama
- family
- comedy
The story
Dangal is an extraordinary true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film traces the inspirational journey of a father who trains his daughters to become world class wrestlers.
What it’s like
Sun-saturated and dusty, with mustard fields under hard Haryana light, packed akhara courtyards, and mud-slick training pits. The camera moves with the wrestling, handheld and close, so each throw lands with weight, while the village scenes stay warm and crowded. Pritam's score mixes folk rhythms, pop-bright songs and percussive training beats. The vibe is earnest and sweat-warm, with a comic edge in family squabbles and small-town gossip that keeps the mood buoyant even through the hard days. Pacing is steady and long, built around successive training blocks and matches, and its arc follows a stubborn father pushing his daughters toward a national stage and their own growing will to win on their terms. Intensity: moderate. Competitive wrestling brings real physical impact and hard falls, and the father's training is harsh, with shouting, humiliation and some slapping. There is no sexual content and no gore. It suits a long weekend afternoon or an inspirational watch for people who want sport, grit and a spirited female lead, with a sincere heart.
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