'Sultan' ... my review!

'Sultan' is an inspiring film. For all those despairing parents out there, who worry about their kids, take heart from the fact that, even at the ripe age of 30, for the sake of love, you can learn a totally new sport like Kushti and go on to win a gold medal at the Olympics:-)

'Sultan' could so easily have been called 'Salman', because the movie celebrates Sallu Bhai, who literally carries the the film on his pudgy shoulders!

Director Ali Abbas Zafar ensures that 'Sultan' has all the ingredients to make a very watchable film ...

Love for Aarfa, a spunky, female Haryanvi wrestler, portayed superbly by Anushka Sharma, makes Sultan (Salman Khan) learn wrestling from scratch and voila, next thing you know, he is winning gold medals at every international event!!!

It is always uplifting to see a desi movie highlighting a sport, where the underdog, goes on to become a champion.

This includes watching Salman Khan in tiny black chaddis. Those slim lean hips, which make the gaaon ki choris whistle and cheer ... very sexy and definitely expertly photoshopped!!!

A delightful desi romance, with motorcycle rides across green fields and sipping on glasses of ganne ka ras!!!

Special mention of the actor who plays Sultan's loyal friend, who will make you feel like giving your bestie a hug, the very cool Amit Saad, as the dude who gives Sultan his comeback chance and may I add, the very hot and charismatic Ranadeep Hooda, as the uncompromising trainer, who whips Sultan back to shape and into a champion again.

Director Abbas gives us what we love seeing ...

the ups and downs of a Champion, the fight for respect and redemption and that 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' moment!!!

'Sultan' may not be the best sports based film made, but it is a pleasant watch. A tad too long, your butt may get restless on your seat, at times, but you will also find yourself jiggling your backside, to the weird steps of 'Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai'!!!

PS: The irony of 'Sultan', is that, while the movie is all about seeking forgiveness and redemption, when the viewer hears Rahat's melodious voice in the 'Jag Ghoomeya ...' song, instead if Arijit Singh, you realise that Salman Khan has not forgiven talented singer, Arijit, despite his fervent apologies.

PPS: Respect for my favorite film critic, Raja Sen, who has refused to see 'Sultan' and review it, in protest against Salman Khan's insensitive "raped woman" remark and worse still, his refusal to offer an apology.