Dangal (2016)

Name: Dangal
Genre: Drama, Family, Comedy
Released: 2016-12-23
Duration: 2 h 41 min
Cast: Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar

23 December 20162h 41mHindiIndia

UDrama Family Comedy

7.9/10TMDB · 1241 votes

DirectorNitesh Tiwari

StarringAamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim

Watch onNetflix, JioHotstar

Best for: Families and sports drama fans looking for an inspiring true story.

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Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.

Dangal story (no spoilers)

Dangal is based on the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler in Haryana who trains his two daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers. The film follows the family's journey as Mahavir pushes his daughters through rigorous training, challenging societal norms along the way. Geeta and Babita rise through the ranks, but their path is not smooth, with conflicts arising between Mahavir's traditional methods and the modern coaching they encounter. The tone blends drama, family emotion and comedy, showing the sacrifices and determination behind the sisters' success. The story is told in Hindi over 161 minutes, with Aamir Khan playing Mahavir and Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as the adult Geeta and Babita. The film is certified U in India and released in theatres on 23 December 2016.

Should you watch Dangal?

Watch it for

Aamir Khan plays Mahavir Singh Phogat, the father who trains his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers.
Director Nitesh Tiwari tells a true story that mixes family drama and comedy with the grit of competitive wrestling.
The cast includes Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as the adult Phogat sisters, with Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar as their younger selves.
At 161 minutes, the film gives space to both the training regimen and the emotional conflicts within the family.

Skip it if

You prefer fast-paced films; the 161-minute runtime spends a lot of time on training routines and family arguments.
You are not interested in wrestling or sports dramas, as the plot revolves around competitive wrestling.
You want a light comedy; despite comedic moments, the film deals with serious themes of discipline and societal pressure.

Dangal cast

Aamir Khanas Mahavir Singh Phogat

Fatima Sana Shaikhas Geeta Phogat

Sanya Malhotraas Babita Kumari

Zaira Wasimas Young Geeta

Suhani Bhatnagaras Young Babita

Aparshakti Khuranaas Omkar

Girish Kulkarnias Coach Pramod Kadam

Sakshi Tanwaras Daya Kaur

Vivan Bhatenaas Harkinder

Ritwik Sahoreas Young Omkar

Ravi Anejaas Referee

Anuraag Aroraas Mahavir's Brother

Dangal movie details

Director	Nitesh Tiwari
Writer	Nitesh Tiwari
Music	Pritam Chakraborty
Cinematography	Satyajit Pande
Producer	Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, Siddharth Roy Kapur
Release date	23 December 2016
Runtime	2h 41m (161 minutes)
Original language	Hindi
Country of origin	India
Languages spoken in the film	Hindi
Original title	दंगल
Certificate (India)	U
Budget	$10.4 million (approx.)
Worldwide box office	$311.0 million (approx.)

Parental guide: is Dangal family friendly?

ViolenceMild

LanguageNone

Sexual contentNone

Family viewingSuitable

Certified U in India, this is a general guide; the film contains wrestling action and emotional family conflict but no explicit content. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.

Dangal official trailer

Our verdict

Dangal is a solid sports drama anchored by Aamir Khan's performance as Mahavir Singh Phogat and the convincing turns by the actors playing his daughters. The 161-minute runtime is used well to show the grind of training and the tensions within the family. It is an honest, inspiring watch if you like true stories about determination.