Sagat features prominently in the anime film as the reigning Muay Thai champion, bearing the title "Emperor of Muay Thai" and acknowledged globally as the world's strongest fighter before facing Ryu. The narrative launches with their climactic battle in Australia, where Sagat overpowers Ryu, flooring him and looming for a decisive strike. Ryu retaliates with the Shoryuken, carving a massive scar across Sagat's chest. Enraged and humiliated, Sagat charges forward only to be defeated by Ryu's Hadoken. This loss defines him physically through the scar and psychologically through an all-consuming thirst for vengeance.

After his defeat, Sagat allies with the terrorist organization Shadaloo under M. Bison, serving as one of Bison's elite bodyguards alongside Balrog and Vega. His sole objective within Shadaloo is harnessing its resources to hunt Ryu for a rematch to reclaim his honor. Despite this burning desire, Bison denies Sagat permission to confront Ryu when located, diverting him to other missions. Consequently, Sagat operates reactively throughout the film, his character anchored in his defeat and subservience to Bison.

Sagat's personality and motivations remain fixed on his rage and obsession with vengeance against Ryu, without evolution. His physical design mirrors his game portrayal: a towering 7'5" muscular frame, Muay Thai trunks, an eyepatch over his right eye, and the prominent chest scar. His arc begins with his loss to Ryu and persists as an unresolved pursuit of revenge under Shadaloo's command.