2016 was the year when Aamir Khan brought to life the story of India's first world-class female wrestlers, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, and their father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, an Indian amateur wrestler. This cinematic gem, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, also starred Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Aparshakti Khurana, Ritvik Sahore, and Sakshi Tanwar. Nitesh Tiwari perfectly framed the story with his finest filmmaking acumen. Be it pulling out the best performance from the actors to doing the full justice with the script, he did it all. While the film was an inspirational tale, it went on to become a global blockbuster, receiving outstanding reviews from audiences worldwide. As the film completes 8 years since its release, let’s revisit its crucial elements.

Iconic Performance by Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, as Mahavir Singh Phogat, a pehlwani amateur wrestler, truly brought the character to life with his absolutely flawless acting. Perfectly justifying his persona as "Mr. Perfectionist," he embodied even the smallest nuances of the character and delivered an iconic performance.

Women Empowerment

Dangal presented the inspiring journey of India's first world-class female wrestlers, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari. The film not only highlighted the strength and determination of women to dominate the world but also played a significant role in motivating many with its powerful story. It was declared tax-free in six Indian states – Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh – to promote Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, a Government of India social campaign aimed at reducing selective abortion of females, protecting girls, and educating them.

Global Recognition

While Dangal was enormously loved in India, it also made waves internationally. It was released in the United States on December 21, 2016, and worldwide on December 23, 2016. The film's second phase of release targeted the Chinese markets in East Asia, starting with Taiwan on March 24, 2017. Dangal was also screened at the 7th Beijing International Film Festival, becoming the first Indian film to feature in the non-competing panorama section. Renamed Shuaijiao Baba (Let's Wrestle, Father!) in China, it received a standing ovation at the festival.

Iconic Music

Dangal boasts an outstanding soundtrack featuring songs that evoke a range of emotions, from inspiration and humor to energy and nostalgia. The album includes chartbusters like Haanikaarak Bapu, Dhaakad, Gilehriyaan, Dangal, Naina, and Idiot Banna. Due to the film's immense success in China and Japan, its soundtrack album had a Japanese release, published by Rambling Records on April 13, 2018.

Opening Doors for Young Talent

Dangal marked the debut of several talented actors, including Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, and Aparshakti Khurana. Sanya Malhotra portrayed Babita Kumari, Zaira Wasim played the young Geeta Phogat, Suhani Bhatnagar portrayed the young Babita Kumari, and Aparshakti Khurana played Omkar Singh Phogat, Mahavir’s nephew. Their stellar performances in Dangal proved to be a remarkable starting point fortheir careers.