Sultan
2016 · Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar
Original language: Hindi
- drama
- action
- romance
The story
The ageing wrestler Sultan Ali Khan decides to try his luck on the mat again; to do this, he wants to represent his country at the Olympic Games, but first has to overcome personal issues.
What it’s like
Warm, sun-washed Indian small-town light, with dusty lanes, open fields and mustard-yellow afternoons that feel lived-in rather than polished. The camera leans toward big, unfussy compositions: wide shots of wrestling akhadas and training grounds, then close, sweaty handheld moments inside the ring where the frame jostles with the bodies. The score is loud and percussive, built on dhol beats and rousing brass that swell through training montages, while quieter scenes let the room tone of homes and courtyards breathe. Vibe: earnest, big-hearted and crowd-pleasing, with a comfortable feel-good glow. Pacing is generous, with long stretches of courtship and family life before the sport takes over in the final act. Emotionally it runs on romance and reconciliation, tracing a proud, aging fighter who has to humble himself and learn to care for others again. Violence is physical but stylised: wrestling bouts with bruising throws and grappling, no gore, and some sustained intensity in the matches. Romance is chaste, with no nudity. Suited to people who want a sincere, sentimental sports drama for a Friday night with family or friends, or for fans of Bollywood spectacle.
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