The movie Dangal is surely THE sporting movie of the year. For various reasons.
First of all because its based on a real life story of Mr. Phogat who has 4 daughters. Along with himself, all his daughters are wrestlers. He ensured he made them into world class wrestlers. All of them. Secondly, this shows the girl power and their determination. Thirdly, it captures father daughter bonding like no other movie has ever done. Fourth, despite having a big superstar in the movie, the focus in not on Aamir but all screen space is taken by the girls, that’s where the real story is and rightly deserving centerstage.
Even before the movie, I had seen enough making of Dangal videos to understand how difficult it is to get to that shape and form for showcase such daredevil wrestling stunts. Each one of them by the way is so dangerous that one wrong move and you will lose your neck in the blink of an eye, then any other body part.
The movie moves gradually from what Phogal could not achieve (international level medal), expectation of a medal from his to be born son, his disappointment witnessing the birth of daughter after daughter while he was wishing for a son, expecting only a son can get a medal.
The best dialogue of the movie – ‘Gold to Gold hove hai, chora laye ya chori’.
The early stage grooming of Geeta and Babita brought out the fun part of the movie. The very scene when Mr. Phogat realises that his daughters have the potential to get into wrestling is the sweetest. Another very emotional scene for me is when father and daughter picked up a fight with themselves. The commitment and dedication that a father has towards the upbringing of girls into this sport which is 100% dominated by men and where even the thought of a girl wrestling raises all eye brows. Now add to it the fact that all this happened in Haryana.
Aamir Khan’s dedication to build his body perfectly for each age type of role of the protagonist, is palpable. But the real heroes are Geeta and Babita. The girls who played the younger role (Zaira and Suhani) as well as the elder ones (Fatima and Sanya).
The movie moves slowly but swiftly towards showcasing how Geeta (mostly) got her first Gold. Though its a bit long, you will not feel it. The tickets are a little expensive, its your call if you wanna pay that price for a quality movie.
The songs in the movie are a top notch. Lyrics of each of the song, perfectly fits in the scene when its played. My favorite is ‘Dhakkad’. Nikkar aur t shirt pehan kar aaya cyclone). Love it.
The climax could have been shorter, showcasing each and every second of the last fight was not required, it was like watching an actual match, not a movie.
Also, the fact that from the very beginning both the sisters’ grooming was shown, it should have ended with Babita’s success story as well and not just by focusing on Geeta. That way, more could have been packed up within the same time.
The climax could have been shorter, showcasing each and every second of the last fight was not required, it was like watching an actual match, not a movie.
Also, the fact that from the very beginning both the sisters’ grooming was shown, it should have ended with Babita’s success story as well and not just by focusing on Geeta. That way, more could have been packed up within the same time.
Nevertheless, go for it !!