Movie Review: Dangal
In most parts of India, esp. interiors, sport is considered as a good source of ‘recreation’ or means to maintain fitness levels. Very few pursue it as a passion, managing to take it up as a professional career. On top of that, with non-cricketing sports hardly able to source enough funding or the recognition they deserve, the focus on other games has always been a matter of concern. Yet, as hypocrites we never refrain ourselves from blaming our country for below average performances in the Olympics & other similar international tournaments.
For women-folk it’s even more difficult because even today, in certain sections of our society, they are expected to follow certain set of rules / stay within certain limits or boundaries, failing which they would be judged, ridiculed, subjected to eccentric behaviour & character assassination, at the drop of a hat. To add to it, few stalwarts also conduct ‘moral’ compliance audits exclusively for women towards ‘Permissibility in Indian Culture & Society’, to ensure reinforcement of their self-made protocols. Over the years, despite having proved their equal competence, or even superiority to men in various fields, their battle for mutual co-existence continues.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal is based on Shri Mahavir Singh Phogat’s (played by Aamir Khan) life a former national wrestling champion. Due to unavoidable circumstances, he is unable to take up his skills & talent to the next level. However, like any other father he aspires to training his off-spring to fulfil his dreams. Nature too plays its part, wherein he is blessed with two daughters Geeta and Babita. He loves them unconditionally, but finds it difficult to come to terms of not being able to achieve his goals. However, he soon realises that MEDALS do not have a GENDER, and his daughters are as good as ‘Sons’, since wrestling runs in their DNA. But to make this happen he has to fight two battles viz. ‘For Opportunities’ and ‘Against Social Stigma’. The journey marking his second innings grooming his next generation is what the film is all about.
The narrative is medium-paced and flows seamlessly throughout. Lot of emphasis is laid on explaining the basics of the sport, and various strategic moves, scoring points, etc. rarely seen earlier. The international match sequences have also been shot so brilliantly that it appears as if you are watching them live! All credit to cinematographer Sethu Sriram, and stunt coordinators Kripa Shankar Bishnoi, Shyam Kaushal. Cinematic liberty in all key areas is very subtle, without too much of typical melodrama. However, the fictitious portions needed to be a little more realistic.
Ballu Saluja does a great job with the editing. Music by Pritam is first rate. Lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya are funny, yet apt to the on-goings! Dialogues in colloquial Haryanvi dialect set the tone right.
Every actor proves his / her worth to the film. Mukesh Chhabra has done a splendid job in terms of casting the right people in right roles!
Zaira and Suhani who play the young Geeta, Babita and Fatima Sana Shaikh / Sanya Malhotra who play their older versions are just outstanding. The way they’ve worked on the body language, reflexes, and fitness levels and transformed themselves into wrestling champs is worth accolades. Saakshi Tanwar plays her part exceptionally well, though her role is smaller in length. Her emotions are an integral part of the narrative. Girish Kulkarni is superb!
Aparshakti Khurana is brilliant, and provides the essential comic relief in a serious subject. However, his character is a bit caricatured and demanded a little more respect since it’s the voice / narrator of the film.
Coming to the protagonist, Aamir the Ace Khan is top form once again. Though being the backbone of the film he doesn’t hesitate from under-playing at the right places. In fact, even the climax portions are essayed with lot of restrain. The psychological chaos between the father and guru within him is handled brilliantly. Above all, his dedication towards the transition from SLIM-FAT-CHISELED BODY at the age of 50, is commendable !
On the whole, Dangal is one of the best biographical sports films in recent times with mature & realistic performances by the cast. It conveys a straight-forward message to the regressive societies that still thrive amongst us. The writers Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra and Nitesh Tiwari deserve a round of applause.
After long time, a film that has repeat value !
Rating : ****
We The People 