Published On : Wed, Jul 6th, 2016

Movie Review: Sultan

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Sultan
Movie: Sultan

Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar

Aakash Oberoi (Amit Sadh), a young entrepreneur, is on the verge of a breakdown because his idea of bringing Mixed Martial Arts contests to India isn’t working out. His father advises him to rope in a local fighter, apparently because nobody thirsts more for victory than a “common Indian”.

The old man then suggests a name: Sultan Ali Khan.

Sultan (Salman Khan), a 40-year-old former wrestler, has seen the highs and lows of life. Going into flashback, we are introduced to Sultan’s younger self at a time when nobody could beat him in a sprint. A chance meeting with Aarfa (Anushka Sharma), an ambitious wrestler eyeing the Olympic gold, ignites a fiery passion in Sultan’s life.

But then, if Bollywood has taught us anything, we know Sultan isn’t going to come upon his happy ending that easily.
Today, Sultan is just a shadow of his former self. Life has been knocking him down for years, but he has always known how to fight back. He knows he is down, but not out.

Aditya Chopra’s screenplay eases us into a world 100 kilometres away from the National Capital. Though the girls here struggle to make a mark, Aarfa leads a brigade that’s determined to make its presence felt. In a welcome change for Bollywood, Sharma actually talks about women emancipation in a language that isn’t confined to “Ghar me maa behan nahi hai kya?”.

Here, amid canal-side roads and large bungalows with ‘akhadas’, live some of the most humble and lovable people this side of Earth. They dance together, understand and respect each other’s needs, and cheer for their wrestlers. The only problem is – their star wrestler doesn’t flaunt a local accent. Salman’s dialect differs from that of his folks, but never mind, it’s the least of the issues.

The director’s uncontrollable urge to make his characters break into a jig every now and then slows down the film. The songs consume time, and act as mere advertisements of Salman’s superstardom. However, that’s also Sultan’s USP.

Sultan treads a predictable line until it reaches the climax. In the best part of the movie, Salman carries forward his Bajrangi Bhaijaan act. The man you see in the ring is down to earth, humble and quite unlike your typical Bollywood superstar. He is scared of his opponents, and fails to hide his pain despite being the strong, silent kind.

Though Sultan keeps himself from throwing in the towel, he doesn’t act invincible either. He is aware of his age – something no character played by Salman has done in the past. For a change, it feels nice to hear him mouth sensible dialogues.

The director’s biggest success lies in taming Salman’s overpowering persona. Zafar further breaks the film into three distinct acts, and the actor excels in each of them. From playing a done-and-dusted homegrown wrestler to a wonder-boy of freestyle fighting, you see Salman put up a performance like never before.

Sultan takes a cue from Tom Hardy’s Warrior, but that’s about it. The pot-bellied, middle-aged wrestler is mostly his own creation.

Sultan has all the right ingredients of a ‘masala’ potboiler, and whistling and sobbing are likely to go hand-in-hand here. Don’t go looking for a twist ending, though. We all know what to expect from such a film, but it’s still a lot of fun to see the underdog win.

How Nagpur people reacted on the first day of release of hindi movie Sultan

With the release of the new movie Sultan which started off with a controversial statement by Salman Khan, many movie goers had a varied opinion.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bollywood movie, Sultan starring superstar Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma and Randeep Hooda seems to get an overall positive response from the city movie goers.

Photographer Ankit Bagde
Ankit said that the movie Sultan was full of action, emotions, comedy etc. The movie kept the pace and I personally enjoyed the movie. Many scenes in the movie give the viewer goosebumps. Salman Khan is full of energy as always. Catchy dialogues were used which people will remember for lifetime.

B.Sc. Student Nitya Pal
Nitya opined that the story line was good. Sultan’s acting certainly touches the heart. Salman gave a power packed performance. This is one of Salman Khan’s best movies till date. Sultan is a must watch movie.

Model Sunny Francis
Sunny felt that the movie has a superb story-line. Salman and Anushka displayed a perfect chemistry in the movie. This movie was a treat for all Salman Khan’s fans. Sultan will surely hit the Box-Office records.

Stock Incharge of Soni Polymer Akash Nagdive
Akash opined that Salman Khan gave a spectacular performance. The movie is a complete and all round entertainment. This is the best movie of Salman Khan till date. Like all Salman Khan movies this movie also conveys the message of “Beti Bacchao” (save daughters) to public at large.

Engineering Student Shahrukh Bandhukiya
Shahrukh said that the role assayed by Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma will steal the heart with their performance. This is one going to be one of the biggest blockbusters of Salman Khan till date. The movie Sultan definitely convinces the audience of the concept it wants to portray. It is a “must watch movie”.

Rating:
3-star