What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedDangal
Nitesh Tiwari · Film · 2016
If you loved Dangal, start with Pitch (Dan Fogelman, 2016) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Dangal across media.
If you loved Dangal, you will appreciate these stories about individuals overcoming systemic barriers to achieve greatness through grit and determination.
Books on the same thread
The Boys in the Boat
Daniel James Brown · Book
Explores: Perseverance, Teamwork, Great Depression era.
Like the father-daughter training in Dangal, this history of American rowers highlights the sheer perseverance required to transform a dedicated team into world-class gold medalists.
Uncommon Favor
Dawn Staley · Book
Shares 2 threads with Dangal: overcoming adversity, female empowerment.
Mirroring the female empowerment found in Dangal, this memoir explores the resilience needed to overcome adversity and lead others while navigating the challenges of professional sports.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Daniel James Brown · Book · 2014
Shares a thread with Dangal: Overcoming Adversity.
This epic quest for Olympic gold echoes the underdog spirit of Dangal, focusing on the relentless teamwork and discipline necessary to reach the pinnacle of athletic competition.
The White Tiger
Aravind Adiga · Book · 2008
Explores: class struggle, social mobility, caste system.
While Dangal focuses on rural wrestling, this novel shares the intense drive for social mobility and the struggle against rigid societal expectations within an Indian context.
Series on the same thread
GLOW
Liz Flahive · Series · 2017
Shares a thread with Dangal: Female Empowerment.
Just as the Phogat sisters break gender norms in Dangal, the misfits of GLOW reinvent themselves through wrestling, finding strength and self-discovery in a male-dominated arena.
Muhammad Ali
Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Dangal: Overcoming Adversity.
This documentary captures the same spirit of overcoming adversity that defined Dangal, highlighting how an iconic athlete uses their platform to challenge the status quo.
Pitch
Dan Fogelman · Series · 2016
Shares 3 threads with Dangal: Overcoming adversity, Sports Drama, Inspirational Drama.
Fans of the barrier-breaking journey in Dangal will recognize the immense pressure of expectations placed on this protagonist as she fights for her place in baseball.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank · Series · 2020
Shares 2 threads with Dangal: Female Empowerment, Sports Drama.
Much like the focused training in Dangal, this story centers on a young woman who leverages her singular talent to rise above her circumstances and achieve greatness.
Podcasts on the same thread
Let There Be Sport with PUMA
Podcast
Shares a thread with Dangal: Overcoming Adversity.
These interviews provide the same inspirational look at Indian sports culture seen in Dangal, detailing the early challenges and setbacks that lead to ultimate athletic triumph.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz · Podcast · 2026
Explores: sports media satire, local sports culture, irreverent commentary.
If the intensity of sports competition in Dangal kept you watching, this show offers a deep dive into the broader culture and analysis surrounding modern athletics.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Dangal based on a true story?
Yes, Dangal is an extraordinary true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film depicts their real-life journey as they train to become world-class wrestlers under their father's guidance.
Who directed the movie Dangal?
Dangal was directed by Nitesh Tiwari and released in 2016. The film focuses on the inspirational journey of Mahavir Singh, who trains his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat, to achieve success in the world of professional wrestling.
What is the plot of the film Dangal?
Dangal follows the story of Mahavir Singh and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The narrative traces the father's dedicated efforts to train his children, ultimately leading them on an inspirational path to become world-class wrestlers.
Who are the main characters featured in Dangal?
The main characters in Dangal are Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The story centers on their family dynamic and the father's commitment to training his daughters to excel as wrestlers on the world stage.