Sultan-Film Review

Film: Sultan

Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Amid Sadh, Anant Sharma, Randeep Hooda

Year: 2016

We have never been a fan of Salman Khan and couldn't understand why people go gaga over him. Honestly he comes third in the much coveted Holy Trinity of 'Khan'. The last movie we genuinely liked of him was Bajrangi Bhaijaan. However, that didn't encourage us to go and watch his next 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo'. Surprisingly when we did we liked that film as well. So, we decided to give 'Sultan' a try this time.

Plot: Aakash Oberoi's brain child private freestyle wrestling league, called Pro Take Down has lost its popularity. His father advises him to get an Indian wrestler to the ring and suggests 'Sultan Ali Khan's name. He travels to Haryana and meets sultan who turns down his offer outrightly. Now with no other option he approaches Govind, Sultan's friend for details. Here the story goes to flashback of eight years.

Sultan, a cable TV operator of 'Mehbooba and Mehboba' falls in love with Aarfa, a state level wrestler and daughter of local wrestling coach. She a Delhi educated girl and her only dream is to win Olympic gold medal. Understanding that Aarfa will only marry wrestler, Sultan decides to become a wrestler and succeeds at becoming a brilliant one. They get married in no time and both represent India in various games. Sultan goes on to win Olympic gold medal, however, Aarfa couldn't despite being selected to play for India due to her pregnancy. Success goes to his head slowly and he starts taking everything for granted. A tragedy hits when he returns home winning World Wrestling Champion. Aarfa leaves him and he decides to stay away from ring as redemption.  Though Aakash convince Sultan to return to wrestling as a way to fulfill his dream, it is not an easy feast. Will cynic coach Fateh able to help him? What is the reason Aarfa drifted away from him? Will he able to win the game as well as Aarfa in the end?

WeReflect: Although a very average, predictable story, it is gripping and entertaining. There is not a single boring moment where your mind wanders off the screen. It has humor, drama, emotion, love, and action. Anath Sharma who plays Salman's friend is brilliant. One of the highlights is the music. We loved almost all songs, however, Bulleya and Jag Ghoomeya" are the tune to stay on.

For the first time we felt Salman Khan act too. He carried off the role of Sultan as a smitten lover, grieving husband, hardcore wrestler to the T. A scene where he takes off his shirt in front of a mirror and breaks down after seeing the paunch and his repeated attempts to put back on the shirt was just superb. We couldn't control saying "Well done boy! His hard work really shows off in the movie. The chemistry between him and Anushka is endearing. Ms. Sharma is very good as nothing less is expected of her. Though we wished her progressive character was not sidelined in the second half, just to brood and mop around.

All in all a entertainer which definitely leave a mark of its own. Life is all about fighting our own battle and never accepting defeat.