Master Rank #253

Dangal

2016

GCML Total8.8640% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari

CastAamir Khan · Fatima Sana Shaikh · Sanya Malhotra

IndiaHindiDrama161 minNot Rated
IMDb Top 250Narrative FeatureModerate pace
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

A former wrestler trains his daughters to compete at the highest levels of Indian wrestling.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, unable to pursue his dream of an international medal, recognizes athletic potential in daughters Geeta and Babita. He begins training them in their Haryana village against local expectations and the girls' initial resistance.

Why it belongs

Nitesh Tiwari makes elite training a family negotiation, balancing wrestling detail, social resistance, humor, and two daughters' growing competitive agency.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Dirt pits, dawn runs, cut hair, changing diets, tournament rules, and physically trained performers give the sports arc credibility—the film lets Geeta and Babita's ambitions incrementally become their own rather than remaining only their father's project.

Major award wins

No verified wins in this six-institution crosswalk.

Awards are reference metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Continue the conversation

Double Feature