A movie worth the hype. Off the beat, still mainstream. Hard-smart work, and it shows.

Rating: 7/10 (24 December 2016)

These lines from the title track of this movie quite sum up Aamir Khan's work ethic and dedication. I am an ordinary cinema-lover, not a critic. I like to take the things for what they are and not for what they should have been. Now let me come to the point.
Dangal is not just a movie, it's an experience. It does not end with its credits, it stays with you. It makes you laugh with its light humor, it makes you root for the leads presenting the juxtaposition of views in the beginning, its dialogues question your mind. It is said that 'Cinema is reflection of the society.' Well at-least that's what textbooks say. I need not explain the utter disregard in major mainstream cinema of India. But this movie, it creates a difference. It's mainstream because a 'super-star' (as we Indians like to call them) acts in pivotal role, but at its heart its an honest to God attempt to tell something which has been conveniently ignored by our mainstream cinema for quite some time, quite rebellious and off-the beat.
The soundtrack uplifts the already brilliant scenes, the title track 'Dangal Dangal' and Dhaakad give you goose-bumps, whereas 'Naina' leaves you teary-eyed. Nowhere in the movie has a song been put for headlong reasons, every song carries the story forward. Efforts by its actors are 'effortless', whereas the most of the material I have read till now doesn't mention Aparshakti Khurrana, who plays nephew of Aamir Khan, in line with the entire cast, he also deserves a special mention. Boy, he made me laugh with perfectly timed delivery of jokes!
Now, as I have stated, I am no film critic. So obviously, this movie may have its fair(?) share of flaws or its share of beyond comprehension brilliance. My write-up is completely based upon how I felt while watching the film and what stayed in my heart (and hope it stays for a long time) walking out that theater door.
Take a bow, Aamir Khan, Nitesh Tiwari, The Girls, The Boys and Team 'Dangal.' What you've created here is here to be a 'misaal'.