Many fans, including this writer, consider Salman Khan's portrayal in Ali Abbas Zafar's film Sultan to be one of his finest, ranking alongside his roles in Tere Naam, Hum..Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. His transformation into the character, battling both internal and external foes, was remarkable.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar fondly recalls the film, stating, "Sultan holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the most challenging projects of my career. The ongoing love from audiences fills us with gratitude. The film embodies the spirit of resilience, a sentiment everyone experiences at some point in life. The essence of Sultan is to never give up."
Zafar, who later collaborated with Salman on Tiger Zinda Hai, acknowledges that Sultan elevated his status as a filmmaker. He reflects on the responsibility that comes with success, noting, "I was expected to follow up with an even bigger film. However, my focus was solely on the audience's connection with the film. When a real wrestler like Sangram Singh praised Salman's authenticity in the wrestling scenes, I felt we accomplished our goal."
Zafar takes pride in the film's cultural impact, stating, "When people say Sultan revolutionized wrestling in cinema, akin to what Chak De! did for hockey, it brings me joy. It takes a superstar like Salman or Shah Rukh Khan to draw audiences to a film about a sport other than cricket or football. The essence of wrestling resonates deeply with Indian audiences, making it relatable."
In Sultan, Salman portrays a 40-year-old boxer, a role that demanded extensive preparation. He underwent a rigorous fitness regime and strict diet to embody a boxer's physique. His performance, both in and out of the ring, was authentic, showcasing the struggles of a wrestler's life.
The film narrates a classic tale of redemption, featuring a fallen sports champion who finds his way back with the help of a determined manager (Amit Sadh) and a tough trainer (Randeep Hooda). Hooda's character humorously remarks, "I don’t train dead people," highlighting his role as a strong supporting character.
This engaging film is filled with moments of joy and humor. The wrestling sequences are choreographed brilliantly, with Salman delivering powerful performances that leave audiences wondering about the film's box office potential.
Ultimately, Sultan is primarily a love story, intertwined with sports. Zafar skillfully maintains the drama without unnecessary distractions. Despite its length, the characters remain compelling, woven into a narrative of pain and joy, presented with sincerity and charm.
Cinematographer Artur Zurawski focuses on capturing the sport's grandeur through the protagonist's emotional journey. Everything in Sultan harmonizes to create an impressive overall experience.
With its engaging storytelling and well-crafted characters, Sultan stands as a remarkable blockbuster. It's hard to believe this film comes from the director of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Gunday, showcasing a significant evolution in his filmmaking.
