Dangal (soundtrack)

The music rights were purchased by Zee Music Company. The Hindi version of the soundtrack album features seven songs, while the Tamil and Telugu version featured only two songs. Initially, before the soundtrack album was released, the makers launched four singles from the film. The full album was launched on 23 November 2016. The soundtrack of the dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions were released on 26 November 2016. The album received positive reviews from critics. Due to the success of the film in China and Japan, the film's soundtrack album is set to have a Japanese release published by Rambling Records on 13 April 2018.^[9]

Critical response

BollywoodLife stated that "Dangal is not an album you would expect from someone like Pritam, who gave us some melodious tracks in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, to eke out of his keyboard. However, the rustic soundtrack is proof enough that the composer can still work wonders even he has to work outside his comfort zone. Still, it is the lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya who has an upper hand in making these songs delightful. Together with Pritam, they are now the Jai-Veeru of the Bollywood music world." and rated the album 3.5 out of 5.^[10] Koimoi.com rated 3 out of 5 and stated that the soundtrack album is highly entertaining.^[11] Bollywood Hungama rated 3.5/5 and summarised that "The music of Dangal is largely entertaining and while it has a predominantly situational feel to it, all credit to Pritam and Amitabh Bhattacharya for still going ahead and adding good enough ingredients to the songs that are set to keeps the pace of the narrative flowing."^[12] Indiawest rated the album 4 out of 5.^[13] Filmfare rated the album 4 out of 5, and also stated that "Dangal is a pleasant surprise by Pritam and he should provide us with several more such albums. Coming in the wake of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, he’s indeed ended the year on a high"^[14] India.com rated the album 3.5 out of 5 and summarised that "Pritam gives an interesting mix here which are rooted and refreshingly original."^[15] GlamSham rated the album 4 out of 5 and summarised it as "A complete album with a variety of songs, that are not just in keeping with the story and script but are interesting and entertaining as well. The regional flavour may restrict its appeal somewhat, but since the film is Haryana based, this was essential. While Salman's SULTAN audio was more commercial and so was the film, DANGAL audio is a class-plus-mass deal and our picks are Haanikarak Bapu, Dhaakad (both versions), Naina and Idiot Banna. The best thing is that all the big names (in the credits) have been utilised and aptly, and are not there just as decorative pieces. The situational numbers will aid the proceedings and will surely attain popularity."^[16]

Marketing

The makers released the first promotional single track "Haanikarak Baapu" on 4 November 2016. Aamir goes into the 'Hitler' dad mode and makes his girls undergo rigorous training to become wrestlers. The song showcases the struggle of Geeta and Babita, as they want to be like any other girl their age, but their stern father, Mahavir wants them to win the elusive gold medal for India. His daughters beseech him, "Hum pe thodi daya toh karo, hum nanhe baalak hai," but he is unrelenting. And for all their efforts, "phir bhi khush na hua Mogambo!" The song, penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya and composed by Pritam, has a rustic Haryanvi feel to it. Sarwar Khan and Sartaz Khan Barna's voice captures the song's comical mood of kids complaining of strict fathers.