Director Ali Abbas Zafar says he had narrated the idea of Sultan to Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone, who was bowled over by it.
Sultan, starring Salman Khan was released this year on Eid and became a huge blockbuster garnering critical acclaim as well.
Ali says that he had brief encounter with the Rocky star in Los Angeles, where the actor said a story like Sultan can be made for the American audience too.
“I met Stallone, while doing research and getting my martial arts team from LA. I met him for a brief interaction and he kind of heard the story. He said ‘Wow, what a story. This could be a story which can easily be done in America.’ Because it’s about an underdog who has lost everything and is trying to get his self esteem back “ Ali told PTI.
Also starring Anushka Sharma, the film focuses on Sultan Ali Khan, a wrestling champion from Haryana whose successful career creates a rift in his personal life.
Sultan had its screening at the ongoing 47th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where it was houseful.
According to Ali, while it is a good feeling that his film was screened at the festival, it puts a certain pressure on him as now people will look upto him for quality work.
“Yesterday, when I entered I thought not many people would be watching it because it’s already been in theatres and was on TV too. But the turnout was very good. Even international audience was there.”
“It feels special but it also unnerves you because more people know you now, they recognise your work.,next time you make something, they will be looking out for you. But, it’s a good feeling.”
The film was also screened recently at Busan film festival and the director says the reason why people, from around the world are connecting with the film is because of its universal theme.
“If the stories have a universal appeal, they will travel. Sultan has a universal story, about a man fighting within. That man can be anywhere in the world.
“I believe the story travels everywhere irrespective of the language. There is a certain way we do films. It has got songs and a lot of other elements, but I think that’s what West likes.”
So, not only was Sylvester Stallone impressed by the movie, it was well received worldwide.
