Sultan 2016
Directed by
Ali Abbas Zafar
Made by
Yash Raj Films
Plot Summary
Sultan Ali Khan, portrayed by Salman Khan, is an ex-wrestling champion in his middle age, leading a mediocre and lonely existence in a small town in Haryana. Meanwhile, Aakash Oberoi, the ambitious founder of a private mixed martial arts league, is encouraged by his father to recruit an Indian wrestler to rejuvenate the league’s dwindling popularity. When Aakash visits Haryana to make an offer to Sultan, he is met with a firm refusal, as Sultan claims he has completely retired from wrestling. Curious about Sultan’s retirement, Aakash speaks with Sultan’s close friend, Govind, who shares the story of Sultan’s rise and fall.
Flashback eight years: Sultan’s life changes when he meets Aarfa Hussain, a talented state-level wrestler and the daughter of a local coach. At first, Aarfa is cold to Sultan, but they gradually become friends. When Sultan declares her as his girlfriend, Aarfa dismisses him, expressing her desire to marry an accomplished wrestler. Driven by love, Sultan commits to grueling training routines and impressively wins a state-level wrestling tournament, eventually earning Aarfa’s affection.
Their marriage leads to both becoming celebrated wrestlers, proudly representing India in various international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. Just as they prepare for the Olympic Games, Aarfa discovers she is pregnant. Making a significant sacrifice, she relinquishes her Olympic dreams, allowing Sultan to shine instead. However, as Sultan basks in glory, he grows arrogant, ignoring Aarfa’s concerns about her impending childbirth. While pursuing yet another championship, tragedy strikes—upon his return, he learns that their newborn son has died due to severe anemia, a loss tied to his rare blood type. Enraged and heartbroken, Aarfa decides to leave Sultan and return to her father, plunging him into profound despair.
In the present, Aakash presents Sultan with an enticing opportunity to join his league, promising that the tournament’s prize money could help Sultan fulfill his dream of opening a blood bank in Haryana. Despite his physical decline, Sultan decides to accept the challenge, and they travel to Delhi, where Aakash introduces him to Fateh Singh, a seasoned mixed martial arts coach. Under Fateh’s guidance, Sultan undergoes rigorous training and gradually regains his former athletic physique.
Though his initial matches are tough, he eventually triumphs with the unique wrestling style that made him famous. Sultan’s resurgence as a nationwide sensation rekindles support from Aarfa, and during the semi-final, he wins again, only to be met with severe injuries that lay him in a hospital bed. With the doctor warning that further fighting could be fatal, Aarfa finds Sultan during his vulnerable moment and reconciles with him, urging him to persevere. With renewed determination, Sultan grapples with his pain, fighting against all odds to claim victory in the final match and win the tournament.
Reunited, Sultan and Aarfa use the prize money to establish a blood bank, fulfilling Sultan’s long-held dream. A few years later, their family grows with the birth of a baby girl, whom Sultan begins to train as a future wrestler, signaling a hopeful new chapter for their lives.
Timeline
Sultan's Lonely Life
Sultan Ali Khan is introduced as an ex-wrestling champion who now leads a mediocre and lonely existence in a small town in Haryana. Once celebrated for his achievements, Sultan's life is now marked by solitude and lost glory.
Aakash's Ambition
Aakash Oberoi, the ambitious founder of a private mixed martial arts league, is seeking ways to rejuvenate his league's popularity. Encouraged by his father, he decides to recruit an Indian wrestler, leading him to Haryana in search of Sultan.
Rejection of the Offer
Upon Aakash's visit to propose an offer to Sultan, the latter firmly refuses, asserting that he has completely retired from wrestling. Aakash, curious about Sultan's past, seeks out Sultan's friend Govind for insight.
Flashback to 8 Years Ago
The narrative shifts back eight years where Sultan's life changes drastically after meeting Aarfa Hussain, a talented state-level wrestler. Their initial interactions are marked by Aarfa's coldness, but as time passes, they develop a friendship.
Sultan's Determination
After declaring his love for Aarfa, Sultan faces rejection as she expresses her desire to marry an accomplished wrestler. Motivated by love, he commits to intense training and ultimately wins a state-level wrestling tournament, earning Aarfa's affection.
Marriage and Success
Following their marriage, Sultan and Aarfa achieve tremendous success in wrestling, representing India at various international tournaments. Their bond strengthens as they become celebrated wrestlers in their community and beyond.
Aarfa's Sacrifice
As they prepare for the Olympic Games, Aarfa discovers she is pregnant. Showing great selflessness, she decides to forgo her Olympic dreams to allow Sultan to shine on the bigger stage.
Tragedy Strikes
Sultan's obsession with winning causes him to overlook Aarfa's impending childbirth. Upon returning from a championship, he faces devastating news: their newborn son has died from severe anemia, linked to his rare blood type.
Aarfa's Departure
Heartbroken and enraged by the loss, Aarfa chooses to leave Sultan and return to her father. This decision plunges Sultan into a deep despair, marking a turning point in his life as he wrestles with his grief.
A Fresh Opportunity
In the present, Aakash approaches Sultan with an enticing opportunity to join his mixed martial arts league. The promise of prize money that could help Sultan achieve his dream of opening a blood bank reignites his motivation.
Rigorous Training
Sultan accepts Aakash's offer and travels to Delhi, where he meets Fateh Singh, a seasoned mixed martial arts coach. Under Fateh's expert guidance, Sultan undergoes rigorous training to reclaim his lost athleticism.
Initial Struggles
Sultan faces tough challenges in his initial matches as he fights to regain his form. However, driven by determination and his unique wrestling style, he gradually begins to triumph, catching the public's attention once more.
Reunion with Aarfa
Sultan’s resurgence rekindles support from Aarfa, who witnesses his journey back to greatness. During the semi-final match, Sultan suffers severe injuries yet again, putting his future at risk.
Reconciliation
While hospitalized, Aarfa finds Sultan and the two reconcile amidst his vulnerable state. She urges him to persevere through the pain and make the most of this second chance at life and success.
Victory and New Beginnings
Sultan fights against all odds to claim victory in the final match, winning the tournament and the prize money. Together with Aarfa, they establish a blood bank, fulfilling Sultan's long-held dream, signaling a hopeful new chapter in their lives.
Characters
Sultan Ali Khan
Sultan Ali Khan is a once-celebrated wrestler who has experienced both the highs of victory and the depths of despair. Driven by love and ambition, his character embodies determination as he fights not only in the ring but also through the tragedies of his personal life. His journey is one of growth, resilience, and eventual redemption.
Aarfa Hussain
Aarfa Hussain is a talented wrestler who, despite her own aspirations, sacrifices her Olympic dreams for her family. Her character represents strength and selflessness, navigating the complexities of love and ambition. Aarfa's journey reflects the struggles women face in balancing personal dreams with responsibilities.
Setting
Time period
Present day, Flashback 8 years
The film unfolds primarily in the present day, juxtaposed with flashbacks to eight years earlier, when Sultan's life took a significant turn. This period is integral as it reflects the evolution of wrestling in India and the personal struggles of athletes balancing passion with familial responsibilities.
Location
Haryana, Delhi
Haryana is known for its rich agricultural life and is a prominent area for wrestling in India. It serves as the backdrop for Sultan's initial struggles and triumphs. Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant metropolis that highlights Sultan's journey towards renewed glory as he competes in a high-stakes mixed martial arts tournament.
Themes
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Loss
Loss is a central theme as Sultan faces the tragedy of losing his newborn son, which devastates both him and Aarfa. This event sets in motion a series of emotional struggles that highlight the effects of grief on relationships and personal ambition. The journey through sorrow ultimately leads to reconciliation and healing.
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Redemption
Sultan's quest for redemption drives the plot as he seeks to reclaim his wrestling career after experiencing profound personal loss. Through rigorous training and determination, he transforms his past failures into motivations for success. The redemptive arc culminates in both personal and professional victories.
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Love
The theme of love permeates Sultan's journey, from his initial affection for Aarfa to the complexities of their relationship post-tragedy. Love inspires Sultan's motivation to succeed, yet also brings heartache as they navigate the challenges of ambition and sacrifice. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful force for reconciliation.
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