Jul 06, 2016 09:25 PM
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Wrestling is an ancient sport and deeply connected with India. It is surprising that very few films have touched upon this sport(and that too at the peripheral level) and it is difficult to recall any film entirely made on wrestling. Ali Abbas Zafar takes up the challenge and comes up with Sultan based on the life of a wrestler. The genre, the storyline, the execution and of course, Salman Khan’s presence, ensure that the film turns into a mass entertainer with a widespread appeal. Surely worth a watch!
The story of the movie: Sultan(Salman Khan) is a wrestler in Haryana who takes up the sport thanks to Aarfa(Anushka Sharma), a fellow wrestler and with whom he falls in love with. Although not initially serious, Sultan soon becomes a pro and a name to reckon with. He marries Aarfa but soon, success goes into his head, leading to disastrous consequences. Sultan is compelled to leave wrestling. Many years later, Akash Chopra(Amit Sadh) tries to get him back into the game but Sultan is reluctant, for reasons best known to him
Sultan is quite a long film but more or less, it has enough moments to keep one engrossed and highly entertained. Sultan’s entry as expected is legendary! In fact, the first half has enough entertaining sequences that keeps the interest level going – be it the kite chase sequence or the chase in the ‘akhada’ or of course the romantic portions between Sultan and Aarfa. One wonders from the very start as to what went wrong in Sultan’s life and one does feel bad when the reason is finally unveiled. However, the entire sequence of Sultan becoming arrogant is little unconvincing as it happens too quickly. Post-intermission, the fun continues. The training scenes and the sequences of the matches are something viewers have already seen in Brothers. But Brothers wasn’t well-directed while the said portions in Sultan are too good and even clapworthy. However, the second half becomes too stretched. The film goes on a high in the pre-climax and one expects the climax to be even better. But that doesn’t happen, surprisingly. The very final scene of the film during the end credits tries to make up for it to an extent.
Sultan rests on Salman Khan and he carries the film beautifully on his strong shoulders. The superstar is often accused of not working hard enough but in Sultan, it is evident that he has worked very hard and it shows. He looks completely like a wrestler and his accent is convincing enough to pass off as a Haryanvi. And he’s adorable in the romantic and comic scenes. And the effect that he has on the masses is something is simply stunning…hats off! Anushka Sharma does very well and plays the role of the tough wrestler nicely. She has very little wrestling scenes though but even in those few scenes, she does impress. Amit Sadh is splendid and gives a restrained and impressive performance. Randeep Hooda(coach) delivers a great performance and adds to the film. However, in the climax, he hardly had anything to do. Were his scenes chopped off after his sudden hospitalization? Anant Sharma(Govind, Sultan’s pal) lends great support. Kumud Mishra(Aarfa’s father) is terrific as always. Meiyang Chang and Kubra Sait do a good job as commentators. Others are good.
Vishal-Shekhar’s music is not something that will be memorable for a long time overall, but the songs are nicely incorporated. The title song is splendid and well utilized. This is followed by Jag Ghoomeya and Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai. Julius Packiam’s background score as always enhances impact. Artur Zurawski’s cinematography is award-worthy – the wrestling sequences are nicely shot. Credit should also go Larnell Stovall, who choreographed the MMA sequences. Ali Abbas Zafar’s direction is great and quite simple. He rocked with his first film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan but disappointed with Gunday. Thankfully he’s back in form with Sultan. He falters a bit – there are places where the film is too quick or a bit slow – and it’s quite lengthy as well. But a great job overall as he has managed to make the film as mainstream as possible!
Some of the best scenes:
Sultan’s entry
Sultan chases the kite
Sultan asks Aarfa for marriage
Sultan decides to become wrestler
The intermission point
Sultan is taken to Coach’s place
Sultan gets back to training
Sultan’s first match
Sultan during the semi-finals
10.The end credits scene
On the whole, Sultan is a rocking mainstream entertainer that will be loved for it’s performances, simple but engrossing execution and some highly entertaining moments. Salman Khan is in great form and rocks big time! The film has it’s minuses but the best part is that it’s a film that has a pan India appeal, which rarely happens nowadays, unfortunately. Hence, Sultan can work big time at the box office and is bound to bring cheer for the trade and exhibitors. Enjoy the jalwa of Sultan, especially in the single screens, for a better impact!
My rating - 3.5/5!
