Review of The Physical Body 2: Competition Training and the Dangal

Vincent Giordano follows up his groundbreaking documentary film, The Physical Body: Indian Wresting and Physical Culture, with a second look at the fascinating art of Kushti, traditional Indian wrestling. As in his first video, Mr. Giordano immerses us in the sights and sounds of this microcosm of traditional Indian culture. This film starts where he last left off, treating the viewer to an intimate look at the training methods of Indian wrestling that have been passed down through the centuries, and also examining how the art is changing in modern times.

Wrestlers from different schools or Akharas dig and smooth the earthen wrestling pit and perform all of the training routines including warm-ups, strength training and practice of the wrestling holds, takedowns, escapes and pins. Equally fascinating is the cultural hierarchy within the Akhara, the training of both children and adults of all levels of ability, the preparation of the traditional diet and an in-depth look at the grueling weekly training routine. In this sequel to Physical Body: Indian Wrestling and Physical Culture we also see the introduction of modern strength training, as well as the inclusion of women wrestlers, and the adaptations occurring within the Ankharas in order to prepare wrestlers for international competitions, which have grown in popularity and threaten to eclipse the ancient art.

The Physical Body 2 also introduces us to the Dangal, local and regional competitions in which the wrestlers test their mettle to win money and garner prestige. Individual and open challenges are offered and accepted, adding an exciting element to the rivalry between schools. The film captures the intensity of Dangal competition, and the passion both spectators and participants have for this art that is in danger of dying out under the pressures of the modern world.

Tom Bisio (2007)