A blockbuster run of over 300 crores, an underdog hero that has become an inspiration and a heroine who has become a benchmark of rural empowerment- Yash Raj Films` Sultan is the biggest cinematic achievement of 2016. Saluting its impact and story, the film was screened in the Indian Panaroma Section at International Film Festival of India, the country`s most prestigious film event in Goa. The film`s director, Ali Abbas Zafar was felicitated at IFFI by the deputy director of the festival, Indrani Bose.

As part of the Indian Panaroma, 'Sultan' also got a red carpet screening, a select honor on the evening of November 24. It played to a houseful audience, and received a standing ovation amongst film buffs, media from across the world and film connoisseurs. Earlier this year, Sultan had screened at Asia`s own Cannes like film event, Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) earlier this year in South Korea. Picking up from the Busan screening, Sultan also got an open air screening, with an opportunity for interaction with the audiences attending here.

Speaking from the festival, Ali Abbas Zafar, said, "Sultan tells the story of a son of the soil who takes on his personal flaws and huge professional challenges on a global scale to emerge victorious. It`s an Indian story at heart, and has universal appeal at an emotional level. That Sultan has been given such a prestigious screening here at IFFI speaks volumes for it`s cinematic impact and also proves that mainstream Hindi films can win over sections of international audiences too. I am grateful to IFFI for featuring Sultan in the Indian Panaroma section and the felicitation feels very special."

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Sultan's screening at IFFI is yet another achievement in a long list of many successes notched up by the film this year. Co-starring Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma, Sultan is the year`s biggest box office hit till date.