Salman Khan’s Sultan took Bollywood by storm in 2016, delivering a gripping sports drama that resonated with audiences worldwide. This article dives deep into the Sultan box office collection, day-wise earnings, worldwide gross, OTT release details, lead actor’s net worth, and the film’s final verdict. Whether you’re a die-hard Salman fan or a box office enthusiast, here’s everything you need to know about Sultan’s phenomenal run.
🎬 Film Overview
Sultan is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language sports drama that tells the inspiring story of Sultan Ali Khan, a fictional wrestler from Haryana navigating love, loss, and redemption. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, the film stars Salman Khan in the titular role, alongside Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda, and Amit Sadh. Released on July 6, 2016, coinciding with Eid, Sultan generated massive pre-release buzz due to Salman’s star power, Anushka’s fresh pairing, and its emotional narrative.
The film’s advance bookings broke records, with multiplexes and single screens reporting house-full shows days before release. Fans flooded social media with excitement, hailing Salman’s intense transformation and the film’s soul-stirring soundtrack by Vishal-Shekhar. Sultan promised a blend of action, romance, and drama, making it one of the most anticipated releases of 2016.
📋 Movie Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Sultan |
| Release Date | July 6, 2016 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Director | Ali Abbas Zafar |
| Producer | Aditya Chopra |
| Lead Cast | Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda, Amit Sadh |
| Budget | ₹90 Crore |
| Genre | Sports Drama |
🧑🎤 Lead Actor Net Worth (2025)
Salman Khan, Bollywood’s undisputed “Bhai,” remains one of India’s biggest superstars in 2025. Known for his larger-than-life persona, Salman has delivered blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Dabangg, and Sultan. His estimated net worth in 2025 stands at approximately ₹2900 Crore, driven by film earnings, brand endorsements (Pepsi, Thums Up, and Being Human), and his production ventures. Salman’s charitable work through Being Human and his hosting stint on Bigg Boss further cement his influence. His role in Sultan showcased his versatility, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his box office dominance.
📊 Box Office Collection: India (Day-Wise)
Sultan opened to a thunderous response at the Indian box office, capitalizing on the Eid holiday. Below is the day-wise collection for the first week, based on reliable industry sources:
| Day | Collection (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹36.54 |
| Day 2 | ₹37.32 |
| Day 3 | ₹31.67 |
| Day 4 | ₹36.62 |
| Day 5 | ₹38.21 |
| Day 6 | ₹15.54 |
| Day 7 | ₹12.92 |
| Week 1 Total | ₹229.16 |
The film saw a strong opening weekend, collecting ₹180.36 Cr in the first five days, with a peak on Day 5 due to the extended Eid holiday. However, collections dipped on Day 6 and Day 7 as the weekday effect kicked in. Despite this, Sultan maintained a robust hold, driven by positive word-of-mouth and Salman’s fanbase. By the end of Week 1, it was clear that Sultan was on its way to blockbuster status.
🌍 Overseas & Worldwide Collection
Sultan wasn’t just a domestic hit—it conquered international markets too. Here’s a breakdown of its earnings:
| Region | Earnings (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| India Nett | ₹300.45 |
| Overseas | ₹206.57 |
| India Gross | ₹421.25 |
| Worldwide Total | ₹627.82 |
The film grossed ₹421.25 Cr in India and ₹206.57 Cr overseas, with strong performances in the UAE, UK, USA, and Pakistan. Its China release in August 2018 added ₹38.57 Cr to the tally, pushing the worldwide gross to ₹627.82 Cr. Sultan’s universal themes of redemption and perseverance resonated globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time.
📺 OTT Release Info
Sultan is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, where it has been a fan favorite since its digital release. The film’s digital rights were reportedly sold for ₹50 Crore, a significant amount for 2016. While the exact OTT release date post-theatrical run wasn’t widely publicized, it became available on Prime Video a few months after its cinema run, likely around October 2016. Fans continue to revisit Sultan for its emotional depth and Salman’s powerhouse performance.
📈 Records & Milestones
Sultan set several box office benchmarks:
- Highest Opening of 2016: With ₹36.54 Cr on Day 1, Sultan secured the biggest opening of the year until Dangal surpassed it later.
- Fastest to ₹100 Cr: The film crossed ₹100 Cr in just 3 days, a feat only a few Bollywood films achieved at the time.
- ₹200 Cr Club: Sultan entered the ₹200 Cr club in 5 days, driven by its extended opening weekend.
- Fourth-Highest Grosser of 2016: It ranked behind Dangal, Baahubali 2, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan but outperformed contemporaries like Fan and Housefull 3.
Compared to Aamir Khan’s PK (₹792 Cr worldwide) and Dangal (₹2122.3 Cr worldwide), Sultan held its own, cementing Salman’s box office supremacy.
🎭 Audience & Critical Reception
Sultan received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 69% approval rating based on 16 reviews, with critics praising Salman’s raw intensity and Ali Abbas Zafar’s tight direction. Bollywood Hungama gave it 4.5/5, calling it “a must-watch for Salman fans and cinephiles.” The Times of India awarded 4/5 stars, lauding the emotional narrative and Anushka’s authentic portrayal of Aarfa.
Audiences connected with Sultan’s underdog story, with many praising the chemistry between Salman and Anushka. The wrestling sequences, choreographed by Hollywood’s Larnell Stovall, were a highlight, though some questioned the realism of Sultan’s late-career transformation. The film’s emotional core—dealing with loss and redemption—struck a chord, making it a family favorite.
💬 Social Media Buzz
Sultan dominated social media in 2016, with hashtags like #SultanMania, #SultanEid, and #SultanBlockbuster trending on Twitter. Fans shared memes of Salman’s iconic wrestling scenes and viral clips of songs like “Jag Ghoomeya” and “Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai.” Posts on X celebrated its box office milestones, with one user noting, “#Sultan grosses over 580 Cr worldwide, Salman rules!”
Public sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, though some debates arose about its collections compared to Dangal. Fan reviews praised Salman’s dedication, with comments like, “Bhai’s transformation in #Sultan is unreal!” The film’s emotional scenes sparked discussions, with fans sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges inspired by Sultan’s journey.
📝 Box Office Verdict
| Budget | ₹90 Cr |
|---|---|
| Collection | ₹627.82 Cr |
| Verdict | Blockbuster |
| Recovery Time | 3 Days |
With a budget of ₹90 Cr and a worldwide gross of ₹627.82 Cr, Sultan was a massive blockbuster. It recovered its budget in just 3 days and delivered a return on investment (ROI) of over 600%. Trade analysts like Taran Adarsh and Koimoi declared it a “mega hit,” cementing Salman’s reputation as Bollywood’s box office king.
📈 Predictions & Future Expectations
Sultan’s legacy endures, with its story and performances still resonating in 2025. The film’s success paved the way for Salman’s later hits like Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat, both directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Fans eagerly await a potential Sultan 2, though no official announcement has been made. On OTT platforms, Sultan continues to attract new viewers, reinforcing its timeless appeal. Its China release in 2018 opened doors for more Bollywood films in that market, setting a precedent for global expansion.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total box office collection of Sultan?
A: As of now, the total worldwide gross is ₹627.82 Cr.
Q2: Is Sultan a hit or flop?
A: Based on budget and earnings, it is declared a Blockbuster.
Q3: What is the net worth of Salman Khan in 2025?
A: Approximately ₹2900 Crore.
Q4: When will Sultan release on OTT?
A: It is already streaming on Amazon Prime Video since late 2016.
Q5: How much did Sultan earn on Day 1?
A: ₹36.54 Crore in India on its opening day.
🔚 Conclusion
Sultan’s box office journey was nothing short of spectacular, grossing ₹627.82 Cr worldwide and earning blockbuster status. Salman Khan’s magnetic performance, paired with Anushka Sharma’s authenticity, made it a cinematic gem that transcended borders. From record-breaking advance bookings to a stellar OTT presence on Amazon Prime Video, Sultan remains a benchmark for Bollywood sports dramas. Visit the our box office news site hdhub4u movie.
In my opinion, Sultan’s success lies in its universal appeal and Salman’s ability to connect with the masses. As we await more updates on Salman’s upcoming projects or a potential sequel, revisit Sultan on Prime Video for a dose of inspiration. Stay tuned for our OTT review and more box office insights!
