Salman Khan underwent rigorous training in wrestling and MMA for 6–7 hours daily to achieve the physical transformation required for the role.
Critics praised Salman Khan's "raw intensity" and "physical commitment," comparing the performance to classic sports dramas like Raging Bull . Anushka Sharma was also noted for her restrained and strong portrayal of Aarfa, a character with her own distinct goals and agency. Sultan (2016)
At the time of its release, it became the third highest-grossing Indian film ever. It dominated the 2016 box office, particularly during the Eid festive season, setting multiple opening-week records. Salman Khan underwent rigorous training in wrestling and
Many of the fight scenes featured real wrestlers rather than professional actors to enhance the film's grounded feel. At the time of its release, it became
His professional success leads to arrogance, creating a rift in his marriage. This personal conflict culminates when their newborn son dies due to a rare blood type, a tragedy for which Aarfa blames Sultan’s absence during the birth.
Years later, a middle-aged and out-of-shape Sultan joins a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league to raise funds for a blood bank in his son's name, symbolizing his internal and external battle to "get up each time you fall down". Production and Realism
While the story is entirely fictional, the production emphasized physical authenticity: