Sultan rules over your heart

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2016)

Remember the climax scene of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. A devastated Salman talking to God.There was hardly a face in the theater not chuckling seeing his pathetic acting skills in a scene which was supposed to be poignant.That was the lowest point of that otherwise beautifully crafted film.And that made me wonder if Salman would ever learn to act.He had already spent more than a decade in the industry by then.
After the ebb, it took nearly one and half decades for him to showcase his acting skills in the lovable drama 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' last year.But this year he shows his elan in even a bigger and better way.As an actor.Pun intended.'Sultan' barring the first half an hour is an outright lovable rom- sports movie made to moisten your eyes in parts and brighten up your spirits all through.I am not going into the details of the story.Rather I would just emphasize on how poignantly Sallu portrays the character of a tormented, heart broken yet innocent fallen star.Perhaps this is the first time he has accepted a role that singularly rests on his acting abilities and not on his machismo or hackneyed mannerisms.And he delivers! Yes, he rips off his shirt.But not amidst the the bikini clad firangi lasses in an exotic location.He unbuttons his shirt to have a pitiful glance at his tummy.To portray the pathos of a pot bellied middle aged frustrated sports star.How beautiful idea!His initial exuberance, jubilation and gradual anger, depression,reticence and finally redemption- all the emotions have been so beautifully portrayed that even if you are not a Salman fan, you start loving this Khan. This is undoubtedly the career best performance of Salman. Anushka looks ravishing in a character which vascilates between ambition and family.Initially she tries too hard to match Salman's charisma but gradually picks up and delivers a decent job.As Akaash, Amit Sadh is endearing. Randeep Hooda, one of the most evolved actors of Bollywood in the recent past, is a bit too over the top.It looks like his character has shades of Brad Pitt of 'Moneyball'. Anant Vidhaat Sharma as Sultan's buddy through thick and thin delivers a standout performance. The direction is good if not great.Dialogues are crispy and corny,too.Camera works are exceptional especially during the first half.Music barring the theme song and the melodious 'jag ghoomeya' does not rise above mediocrity.However,the biggest problem with this movie is its length.Had the editing been bit crispier and the film would have been half an hour less in duration minus a few unnecessary songs, it could have easily been one of the finest movies of Bollywood.But do not undermine the power of 'Sultan'.Even with its flaws, Sultan will rule your heart for quite some time. Don't miss the extravaganza at any cost.After all sports movies are not made regularly in India.