Defying societal norms that consider wrestling a male sport, Mahavir forces Geeta and Babita into rigorous daily training. The girls suffer physical exhaustion, public ridicule, and a ban from the local wrestling akhara (arena). Mahavir builds a makeshift clay pit in his fields.
At the wedding, a young bride tells them: "Your father is fighting the whole world for you so you can have choices. He doesn't want you to be just housewives, married off to strangers." This speech transforms Geeta and Babita. They now train with devotion. dangal hindi movie
However, Mahavir and his wife Daya (Sakshi Tanwar) have four daughters: Geeta, Babita, Ritika, and Sangita. Disheartened, Mahavir hides his wrestling medals. One day, his daughters return home with bruises after beating up two boys who insulted them. Instead of scolding them, Mahavir realizes their inherent strength and wrestling potential. Defying societal norms that consider wrestling a male
In the gold medal final, Mahavir is locked in a storeroom by the coach. Geeta, unable to see her father, recalls his words: "Remember, if you win a silver medal, people will forget you. But if you win gold, you will become an example. And examples are not forgotten." In the final seconds, she executes a 5-point "Phogat move" (a reverse cradle hold) to win gold. Hearing the national anthem, Mahavir breaks free and rushes to the stadium. He tells his daughter: "I am proud of you." At the wedding, a young bride tells them:
Geeta defeats male wrestlers in local competitions, winning prize money and respect. She goes on to win the state championship, then the national championship. To prepare for international competition, she joins the National Sports Academy (NSA) in Patiala.