Review of Dangal (2016) by Kaustubh H — 23 Dec 2016
The thought that bothered me when I walked in to watch Dangal was its long running time and it was the thought that still was with me as I left the theater. Dangal is a biopic on Mahavir Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita who go on to win several medals on the international stage.
The film benefits heavily from a near perfect casting. The four actresses playing the roles of the daughters are exceptional and are the life and soul of the film rather than the grumpy faced Aamir Khan.
Aamir also does a good job but it is definitely not his best. While the film tries to put forth the issues of gender inequality, sports corruption in India and male patriarchy it hardly skims the surface.
It is more of a father-daughter relationship drama than an actual sports film and Chak De India and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag continue to be the iconic sports films that have been produced in India. Additionally, the film is devoid of heart racing and inspirational moments, which are actually a routine in sport movies.
The wrestling sequences though are superbly shot especially the one where Geeta fights in sheer egoistical anger with her father in the Akhada. Dangal is watchable but it is definitely not path breaking and neither will it leave a lasting impression.
Like Aamir says - "Misaalein di jaati hain".
This review of Dangal (2016) was written by Kaustubh H on 23 Dec 2016.
Dangal has generally received very positive reviews.
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