A classic example of how Aamir Khan continues to make the best of movies in Bollywood with his films being subtle, not too over-dramatic but still enjoying their fare share of drama in its climax to ensure that the movie makes money as well as good reviews. Similar to Taare Zameen Par, PK & 3 Idiots, Dangal follows the formula to perfection. That first half of the film was the best the makers could have come up with. Explaining wrestling bit by bit as well as educating us about the sport from "mitti" to "mat", Dangal could not have gotten a better start. A film centered around the lives of the Phogat family and their difficult lifestyle due to wrestling running in the family, I felt the makers idea of showcasing Indian mentality of "women cant do this" was amazing because it wasn't over emphasized nor stretched beyond a point but shown perfectly where needed. It showed the mentality where people change their stance as per public liking, simply putting it, where girls cant wear shorts (early training) but those girls are the best wrestlers ever (winning moments). The film showcases a lot of gender stereotypes as well as acts as an inspirational film for many, especially women in the country. It is released at a very good time as different sports have started to gain viewers and began their journey against cricket and hence, boosts the wrestling arena of India. Coming back to its inspirational and based on true events story line, it is a very well knit story which leads to India's first female wrestler winning gold in the commonwealth games, only with some added drama towards the movie. Would it really be Bollywood without the drama?
Probably the best Bollywood film of 2016, Dangal is well covered on all fronts except for the part where it has its motives clashing. Throughout the film the movie fights for women being equal and as good as men only to run a parallel story where no one but Mahavir Singh, a man is always right, even above his daughter's own decisions. Although the story is adapted from true events and it just might be true, it felt like Mahavir Singh was highlighted a little too much. Similarly, just because its a sports film, the end has to be melodramatic. The hero/heroine has to win by that 1 point scored in the final second, I mean which sports film hasn't had that? Regardless, the movie was beautiful phenomenon to avoid such cliches and be itself than get carried by regular cinema.
Just like most Bollywood films, good or bad, Dangal has a really good soundtrack to go with the film although unlike most or all Bollywood films, the songs fit in so perfectly well. Each and every song is a fit for the film and embedded in the story so well that although commercialized, they don't feel the same while watching the film. An equally good background score by Pritam ensures that the story doesn't go too stale or drab. Add to this the beautifully captured stadiums such as the Thyagraj Stadium in Delhi as well as all the wrestling pits in Haryana i.e. the Dangal's in Haryana, the choice of locations for the film was really good while its cinematography was exceptional with fight sequences filmed with perfection. The color scheme of the mats was just an added bonus to the camera shots and the way all fights have been captured was pulsating and ensured audience captivity throughout.
Even without all of the above, this movie would have been a success with the cast it had. Leave aside Aamir Khan, the debutants portraying Geeta & Babita Phogat were par excellence. They were brilliant and they really have left a mark on the industry with their performances in the movie. Sanya Malhotra portraying adult Babita Phogat was the best out of the lot. She was fantastic, simply brilliant! Her performance was whatever little duration was just amazing and it was a pleasure to see her there. Add Fatima Sana Shaikh to the mix and you very well have the next Jai-Veeru pairing of Bollywood in your hands. These two were sensational together and I see the two doing really well in future projects. Fatima played Geeta whose younger version was played by 16-year old Zaira Wasim who turned the movie on its head. Her performance marked the seriousness in the film and you will definitely love her. Aamir despite playing the father and doing an incredibly good job was sidelined to me due to the performances of these three. Whatever body transformation and effort he took was really great but the way these women performed was just unbeatable. They literally stole the show. Add to this Ayushman's brother, Aparshakti Khuranna, he ensured that we keep laughing at him throughout the movie to add the comic twist to it.
With some excellent dialogues written as well, Dangal is everything you can ask for put together in one film which is not just a mixed vegetable but the perfect morning breakfast for first day first show. Worth my sleep deprivation. Speaking of the film's stance of women equality, you will love the way this film ended after feeling its going over board with drama. Watch it, dont shut your brain feeling that the end could have been avoided, just enjoy how the over-dramatic sequence leads to a nice message in the end.
Dangal is a movie running really high on emotions as it tells you a story of a father wanting his sons to fulfill the dreams he couldn't. An emotional, inspirational film filled with comic tit-bits throughout, Dangal's recipe is perfect for your Christmas. It is a must watch for any film lover, even better for a Bollywood fan and extremely good for anyone who likes good piece of cinema as the movie provides you inspiration as well as entertainment, ensuring that those 161 minutes don't seem too long. Do not miss this Nitesh Tiwari's beautiful piece of direction!
No comments:
Post a Comment