A Decade of Sultan: Looking Back at the Salman Khan Entertainer That Married Superstardom with Real Storytelling!

When Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sultan slammed into theatres during Eid 2016, it didn’t just smash box office records—it completely redefined what a modern mainstream sports drama could achieve. Celebrating a monumental decade today, the film remains a masterclass in how to channel an actor’s colossal star power into a deeply emotional, character-driven narrative. It wasn’t just the jaw-dropping wrestling sequences or the chart-topping soundtrack that left an impact; it was the story’s vulnerable, human core that firmly cemented Sultan as a true modern classic in Indian cinema.

Sultan was among the many films that perfectly showcased Salman Khan’s unmatched stardom and the magic of his star power. The film also saw Anushka Sharma as Aarfa Ali Khan, Sultan’s wife and she was indeed outstanding. The film offered a perfect blend of action and commercial entertainment, giving it massive box office appeal. Backed by Salman Khan’s immense popularity, Sultan enjoyed a phenomenal run at the box office. The superstar’s wrestling sequences were truly one of a kind and completely captivated the masses. Riding on its tremendous appeal, the film went on to collect over ₹600 crore worldwide.

Sultan is celebrating its 10th anniversary today, making it the perfect time to revisit a film that is nothing short of a cult classic. It tells the story of Sultan Ali Khan, a ‘Kushti’ and former world wrestling champion from Haryana, whose immensely successful career creates a rift in his personal life.

While Sultan received a positive response from all across, it also won many awards. With over, ₹600 Cr. collection, worldwide, the film became the tenth highest-grossing Hindi film of all-time. The film also had an amazing music album with songs like, Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai, Jag Ghoomeya, 440 Volt, Sultan (Title Track), Bulleya, Tuk Tuk, etc.

By Keerti Kadam