Dangal

Dangal recounts the true life arc of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who refuses to accept a conventional path for his daughters Geeta and Babita. He pushes them toward sport, challenging local norms and gender expectations in rural India. As the children grow, their father designs a demanding training regime and imagines a future where his girls can compete at the national and international level. The film follows Geeta and Babita from playful beginnings to disciplined athletes, showing the strain in family life and the pride that comes with each milestone on the mat. Across humor and hardship, the story champions perseverance, self belief, and the idea that remarkable talent can emerge in the most unlikely places globally today.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and released in 2016, Dangal translates a true life tale into a gripping sports drama. It centers on wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita, with Aamir Khan in lead and supporting cast.

The film proved a massive commercial success, grossing about 311 million dollars worldwide on a budget of 10.4 million. Its broad appeal crossed languages and borders, cementing Dangal as one of Indian cinema's hit releases that surpassed expectations across markets.

Dangal sparked broad conversations about women in sport in India, highlighting Geeta and Babita as role models and prompting audiences to rethink limits placed on female athletes. It influenced coaching culture, media coverage, and youth programs, helping ignite a generation of champions. It also reshaped how families view girls sports.

Critics praised the grounded storytelling and strong performances, noting the film's balance of family life with sport driven stakes. Its themes include pride, discipline, and breaking social barriers, delivering a resilient message about belief that stays with you after the credits and hints at a broader shift for women athletes.