Sultan Movie Review By Vinay Gupta, Filmmaker | First Published in Delhi Now Magazine.
The tradition of Eid releases in Bollywood continued in grand fashion with Sultan (2016), starring none other than Salman Khan. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced under the Yash Raj Films banner, Sultan blends high-octane action, heartfelt drama, and star power to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.
Plot Summary: Rise, Fall, and Redemption
Salman Khan plays Sultan Ali Khan, a small-town wrestler from Haryana whose journey takes him from local akhadas to international fame as a wrestling world champion. However, personal tragedy and pride cause a fall from grace. Years later, he re-emerges as a pro-wrestler, determined to reclaim both his career and his honor.
Anushka Sharma stars as Aarfa, a fierce wrestler and Sultan’s love interest, who plays a pivotal role in his emotional and professional transformation.
Performances: Salman Shines, Anushka Impresses
Salman Khan delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. His portrayal of Sultan is layered with innocence, vulnerability, and fierce determination. As a filmmaker, I’ve seen many of his characters, but this one shows rare emotional depth — a testament to both the script and his evolution as an actor.
Anushka Sharma gets more screen time and substance than many female leads in recent Salman films. She not only holds her ground but brings emotional weight to the story.
The supporting cast — Randeep Hooda, Amit Sadh, and Parikshit Sahni — add dimension and credibility, with Hooda’s portrayal of Sultan’s MMA coach being particularly memorable.
Direction & Technical Excellence
Director Ali Abbas Zafar crafts a film that balances mass appeal with genuine emotion. The wrestling sequences are impressively choreographed, reflecting real physicality and intensity. As someone who’s worked behind the camera, I appreciate the thoughtful shot composition and editing rhythm that give the fight scenes a visceral impact.
The cinematography deserves a special mention — especially the breathtaking aerial shots of Old Delhi with Jama Masjid in the backdrop. The set design brings both rural India and the modern MMA arena to life.
Themes: Love, Loss, and Second Chances
At its core, Sultan is not just a sports drama but an emotional saga. It explores themes like love, guilt, sacrifice, and the courage to start over — ideas that resonate universally. It’s this emotional core that transforms Sultan into more than just another Eid release.
Box Office & Cultural Impact
Released on Eid, Sultan opened to massive crowds, reaffirming Salman Khan’s unmatched box office pull. His presence alone guarantees a hit, but here, the content and execution elevate the film. With over ₹600 crore in global earnings, it remains one of the most successful Indian sports dramas.
Final Verdict: Sultan Enters the Hall of Fame
I would call Sultan an “emotional smackdown saga” — a rare blend of muscle and meaning. Salman Khan has never been better, and this change of pace suits him perfectly. With a balance of action, heart, and message, Sultan earns its place in my personal favorites list.
Vinay Gupta Producer, VinR Films is a third-generation entrepreneur, with rich and varied experience in a wide range of business domains. Vinay is a software engineer from Amity, NOIDA. and has completed his MBA from the IT division of Symbiosis International University. He is also the Founder Director of Dynamic Technosoft (Software Company) and a Director in Vinsam Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (Investments & Wealth Management Company). In his professional career Vinay has diverse experience in the fields of information technology, software projects, infrastructure development, financial wealth management, film making etc.
