What I am saying is - 'Sultan' movie review

What I am saying is - 'Sultan' movie review

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First thing - if you want to watch Salman Khan the star, then better not to go for this movie. Just sit back at home and watch his old movies. If you want watch Salman Khan the actor and the performer, here you have got the best (as of today) option - it's his latest offering 'Sultan'. I managed to watch 'Sultan' movie yesterday, I would have watched this on day one of its release but missed it due to my Europe trip. Well, I would like to term it as a life of a person rather than just a film. It has got life in it; Salman Khan put his heart and body in this movie, you can see it in every part and every act. An amazing movie and a must watch, don't miss it. 

Story - this is a story about a person's journey of life (or fight) from a normal Haryani aimless guy to 'King of Ring' in wrestling. That's not all about it, that's just half of it and then his fight in life against the odds and loses. His journey from a normal person to King of ring is obviously attractive in filmy style, but the next part of the story after he loses his son and left alone steals the show. His fight and struggle in reinventing himself is the key part. Transforming himself from a traditional wrestler to a freestyle wrestler is amazing. Sultan's characterization is really impressive and Ali Zafar must be appreciated for his efforts in etching good characterizations for lead roles and nice inspiring story. 

Ali Zafar - I preferred to mention the efforts of Ali Zafar first rather than Salman. (Generally I start with lead character or hero) Ali Zafar must be appreciated for concentrating on plot/theme and actors rather than stars. With his earlier films, Salman used to add his star value to the films. But, this time the character of 'Sultan' has earned more respect to Salman not to the film. Ali Zafar did an amazing job behind the scenes. Screenplay is very nice and gripping. 

Salman Khan - as mentioned in the first line itself, it's his best performance as an actor. It is not Salman, he made sure that you will watch Sultan Ali Khan. His diction in Haryani style, histrionics and what not - everything at best. Sultan transformation from an aimless guy to 'King of ring' and then from a depressed person to a freestyle wrestler - superb. He lived in the character. He excelled in every scene as an actor. Particularly when he explains the difference between arrogance and confidence to his wife; when Sultan says he gave up wrestling not figting to martial arts trainer (Randeep Hooda); when he got to know his son died - come on it will be a big list of scenes/situations if I have to mention  about Salman's performance in this movie. Simply an amazing performance and best. In movie, it was said by other characters that 'Sultan is born for wrestling'. Salman is born for this character and he lived in it, he breathed life to 'Sultan' character. He perfectly balanced the emotions required for the character and just stepped in to the role by leaving his stardom aside. For the first time, I felt not satisfied with my lines about his performance. Take a bow Salman and hope to see some more of this kind roles from you. 

Anushka Sarma - she did really very good in this film. And, it's more performance oriented character for her with no glamour show at all. She lived in the character of Aarfa. She did a neat job and given clean performance. Aarfa is the driving force for Sultan, and villain in his life too. And, Anushka performed the character with ease as a woman who gives utmost importance to family and as a wrestler with a goal. 

Anant Vidhaat Sharma - he played the character of Govind, Sultan's friend in this film. He really made his presence felt and he got good lengthy role too. His performance is very good and hope he will get more meaningful roles in the coming days. 

Randeep Hooda - he is perfect choice for the role. And, as usual he lived in the character as a martial arts trainer for Sultan. 

... to mention others like Naveen Kumar as Sharief Ali Khan (coach and Aarfa's father), Amith Sadh as Akash Oberai (young business man promoting Pro Take-Down) etc - everyone did their job to the level required. Once again, I repeat that Ali Zafar must be appreciated for etching such a nice story and characterisations. He did not try to include more commercial elements and concentrated on the main theme. Of course, he doesn't need to add cheap tricks for commercial purpose as he already got one of the bigger stars of today's cinema in his film. But, he managed to bring out the performance required from Salman. I am sure if this is directed by someone else, they would have added few intimate scenes and bit more unnecessary comedy scenes etc. Nice attempt and way to go Ali. 

... and coming to the technical departments 

Julius Packiam - he provided music to the film and it's amazing. Background score is really fantastic and songs are smooth. Particularly he breathed life to scenes with his background scores. No noisy beats, just what required to carry the emotions that's it. Good job Julius Packiam and kep it up.

Rameshwar S. Bhagat - editing by Rameshwar is crisp and neat. He did job to the best level and you can see that while watching film. Keep it up sir ... that is what required today. 

Artur Zurawski - cinematography by Artur is very nice. He created mood that is required and perfectly balanced every effect. 

I think no introduction required for production values by Yash Raaj films. They made this film to look good in every aspect. Kudos to their story judgement and efforts. Overal, this is one of the very best films in the recent days. No vulgarity, no unnecessary brainless comedy, no 'adults only' cheap comedy ... it's a clean film and a must watch. Don't miss it.