Sultan Review

One line Review: A lovable romance drama at the backdrop of wrestling that turns out to be a complete family entertainer.

Positive Points: The movie is considerably griping and has been narrated in an arresting manner. It is entertaining and touches multiple strings of emotions ranging from love, friendship, ego, grief and determination. Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma’s chemistry is beautifully painted.

Negative Points: The plot of the movie is predictable and is more or less like how sports dramas in Bollywood are. The second half is a bit too stretched and dragged to length.

Plot: Sultan Ali Khan (Salman Khan) is a happy go lucky guy who runs a cable business with his friend. An impromptu meeting with Aarfa (Anushka Sharma) makes him instantly fall for her. Aarfa is a trained wrestler and a state level wrestling champion who aims to win the Olympics Gold for India. Sultan learns that Aarfa will marry only a wrestler who is a state level champion and has goals in life. For the love of his life, Sultan decides to learn wrestling and circumstances emerge in a way that through his grit, he manages to become a world champion.

Sultan marries Aarfa and also wins Olympics Gold for India, but, life happens and things turn upside down. The story unfolds as fate decides to give Sultan a second chance and knocks his door again. Will Sultan be able to succeed in the second phase of his life? States the climax!

Direction and other Technical Aspects: It will not be incorrect to say that Sultan is an out and out commercial movie. Director Ali Abbas Zafar has done an appreciable job when it comes to narration, as it is very intriguing despite the predictable sports plot. The essence of a small town is captured beautifully by the director. The climax is overly Bollywoodish and the predictability factor kills the excitement. The camera work and cinematography are good. The first half of the movie is supremely entertaining and the humour element is refreshing. The chemistry between the leads is a treat. The emotional angle in the film is sure to appeal to the masses.

Performances: Salman Khan has delivered a fine performance. His wrestling moves are on point. The physical transformation he has undergone for the film is highly appreciable. The intense fighting scenes and training sequences have been performed notably.

Anushka Sharma as the Haryanvi wrestler is apt. She has been striking with all her combat and emotional scenes. Her chemistry with Salman looks great on-screen. Anushka’s presence lights up the screen and is a dose of delight.

Randeep Hooda has very less screen time but, is impactful with his act of a strict coach.

Amit Sadh essays a justifiable performance. All other supporting characters are good in their part.

Music: The background score is lively and energetic; it very well gels with the visuals. All the songs are already topping music charts. ‘Baby Ko Base Pasand Hai’, ‘Jag Ghoomeya’ and the title track breathe the right emotions at the right time to the film.

Final Verdict: Sultan is a full on entertaining movie that has all the elements of a complete family entertainer. The film is surely an extravaganza for all the Salman fans. And, a clearly aging Salman has put in a lot of efforts for the role that makes his character believable. This Yash Raj Films’ presentation is definitely a treat from Salman Khan for his dear fans. For the ‘entertainment value’ it earns 3.5 stars.