Introduction
Released in 2016, Sultan is one of Bollywood’s most impactful sports drama films. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, the movie combined intense wrestling sequences, heartfelt emotions, and inspiring storytelling. With Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles, Sultan became a massive box-office success and left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
Storyline Overview
The film follows the life of Sultan Ali Khan (played by Salman Khan), a small-town wrestler from Haryana. Initially carefree and somewhat arrogant, Sultan’s life changes when he falls in love with Aarfa Hussain (Anushka Sharma), a strong and independent woman who is also a wrestler.
Aarfa agrees to marry Sultan only if he proves himself worthy in the wrestling world. Motivated by love and passion, Sultan dedicates himself to the sport, rises to fame, and becomes a national champion.
However, fame and pride lead him down a dark path. A personal tragedy shakes his life, and he distances himself from the sport and the people he loves. The second half of the movie shows Sultan’s journey of redemption, resilience, and revival as he returns to wrestling, this time not for fame but for self-respect and emotional healing.
Cast & Performances
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Salman Khan (Sultan Ali Khan): Delivered one of his most powerful performances. His physical transformation, wrestling sequences, and emotional depth were widely appreciated.
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Anushka Sharma (Aarfa Hussain): Played a bold and inspiring character who represented strength, determination, and independence.
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Randeep Hooda (Coach): Appeared in a strong supporting role, training Sultan for his comeback.
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Amit Sadh: Played the role of Aakash, adding depth to Sultan’s journey.
Direction & Screenplay
Director Ali Abbas Zafar perfectly balanced drama, romance, action, and emotions. The wrestling matches were choreographed realistically, and the screenplay kept audiences engaged from start to finish.
Music & Songs
The soundtrack, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, was a huge hit.
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Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai became a chartbuster.
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Jag Ghoomeya (sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan) is still remembered as one of the most soulful romantic tracks.
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The background score added intensity to the wrestling sequences.
Box Office Performance
Sultan was released during Eid 2016 and shattered several records:
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Collected over ₹600 crore worldwide.
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Became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time at the time of release.
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Attracted massive family audiences due to its emotional and motivational story.
Audience & Critical Response
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Critics: Praised Salman Khan’s performance, the film’s message, and the emotional storyline.
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Audiences: Loved the mix of action, romance, and emotion. Many viewers felt deeply connected with Sultan’s struggles and comeback.
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Sports Lovers: Appreciated the authentic representation of wrestling culture in India.
Impact on Indian Cinema
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Inspired a new wave of sports drama films in Bollywood.
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Increased interest in wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) among Indian audiences.
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Showed that commercial cinema can deliver both entertainment and a strong message.
Final Verdict
Sultan is not just a sports drama but also a story of love, failure, and redemption. With strong performances, powerful music, and inspiring storytelling, it remains one of the most memorable films in Salman Khan’s career.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re a fan of inspiring cinema with emotional depth, Sultan is a must-watch.