When a once-famed wrestler decides to make an extraordinary comeback, not for glory but for redemption, the result is a gripping journey of heart, sweat, and self-discovery. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sultan stars Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma in leading roles, set against the backdrop of rural Haryana. This sports drama, which spans a decade, taps into the rise, fall, and ultimate resurrection of a wrestler as he grapples with fame, love, and the weight of his past mistakes. With its mix of high-energy sports action and emotionally charged narrative, the film caters to fans of sports dramas while delivering a larger-than-life tale of personal triumph.
The story begins with Sultan Ali Khan, a local wrestling champion who leads a simple life in his village. His life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with Aarfa, an ambitious and talented wrestler played by Anushka. Sultan’s determination to win Aarfa’s heart drives him to take up wrestling seriously, and soon, he finds himself winning championships and accolades. However, the film doesn’t just celebrate his rise; it delves deep into his fall. As success, pride, and arrogance begin to erode his relationships and career, Sultan finds himself in a spiral of personal and professional failure. Years later, when an opportunity presents itself for a shot at redemption, Sultan must train his mind and body all over again to prove not only to the world but to himself that he is worthy of a second chance.
Salman, known for his larger-than-life roles, brings a more layered performance to the screen in this film. As Sultan, he skillfully balances the portrayal of a charming, determined wrestler with a vulnerable man shattered by his own choices. His physical transformation is commendable—especially the shift from a young, energetic wrestler to an older, broken man who must rebuild his strength for a second inning. Salman’s presence is magnetic in the wrestling ring, with his physicality lending credibility to the intense action scenes. He manages to evoke empathy as Sultan confronts his personal demons, and it’s this emotional depth that sets his performance apart from his previous roles.
Anushka as Aarfa delivers a strong performance, bringing a mix of grace, ambition, and vulnerability to the character. She portrays a woman who is not just Sultan’s love interest but also an accomplished wrestler in her own right, who has dreams and goals that are as big as, if not bigger than, Sultan’s. Her on-screen chemistry with Salman is both fiery and tender, and she holds her ground in moments where her character challenges Sultan’s decisions. Aarfa’s arc, though somewhat overshadowed by Sultan’s, adds a layer of depth to the story, as her influence and emotional journey are central to Sultan’s transformation.
The direction by Ali Abbas Zafar is impressive, particularly in how he blends a typical underdog sports story with emotional drama. The pacing of the film allows for a balance between high-octane action sequences and quieter, more reflective moments. The wrestling scenes, shot with precision and intensity, are one of the movie’s standout elements. Zafar’s handling of these sequences ensures that the wrestling feels authentic rather than stylized, with close-ups capturing the raw grit and exhaustion of the sport. The narrative is tight in most parts, though the second half stretches slightly, with some scenes feeling repetitive as Sultan goes through his redemption arc. However, the director’s ability to draw compelling performances from his actors, particularly Salman, keeps the audience engaged throughout.
The music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, deserves mention for how it complements the film’s emotional beats. Songs like “Jag Ghoomeya,” a soulful ballad, beautifully capture Sultan’s introspective journey, while tracks like “Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai” add a lighter, celebratory tone to the earlier parts of the film. The background score, with its mix of traditional and contemporary sounds, amplifies the emotional and physical intensity of the wrestling matches. The sound design during the wrestling scenes is noteworthy, with the thud of bodies hitting the mat and the roars of the crowd pulling the audience right into the ring.
The cinematography by Artur Zurawski is another highlight of the film. From the dusty, sun-drenched fields of Haryana to the electrifying atmosphere of the wrestling arena, the visual composition enhances the film’s narrative. The sweeping landscapes of the village contrast beautifully with the tightly framed shots in the wrestling ring, where the camera captures every bead of sweat and every grimace of pain. The film’s use of lighting, particularly in Sultan’s more reflective moments, adds a sense of melancholy, especially as he struggles to overcome the weight of his past failures.
One of the film’s underlying themes is redemption—both personal and professional. Sultan’s journey from a cocky, self-assured wrestler to a humbled man seeking a second chance is compelling because it’s not just about winning a match but about reclaiming his sense of self-worth. The film also touches on the theme of self-respect, particularly through Aarfa’s character, who refuses to compromise her own dreams and aspirations for anyone, even the man she loves. This dynamic between the two characters adds depth to what could have been a straightforward sports drama, offering commentary on ambition, pride, and the consequences of success.
Overall, Sultan is an engaging sports drama that offers much more than wrestling matches. While it follows the familiar beats of an underdog story, the film is elevated by strong performances, well-executed action sequences, and a heartfelt emotional core. Salman’s portrayal of Sultan is one of his best in recent years, offering a mix of action and emotion that appeals to both his fanbase and a broader audience. Anushka’s portrayal of Aarfa is another feather in her cap, as she adds depth and nuance to the film’s narrative.
For those who enjoy sports dramas with a side of emotional depth, this film is definitely worth watching. It’s a tale of grit, determination, and the hard-fought journey to redemption. While the second half could have been tighter, the film’s overall impact, with its blend of action, emotion, and music, makes it a satisfying cinematic experience. Sultan is a reminder that while success is sweet, it’s the courage to rise after a fall that truly defines a champion.
