Sikandar Movie Review: A Dismal Return for Salman Khan?
Rating: 1.75/5
Release Details
Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Genre: Action Drama
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Cast:
Salman Khan
Rashmika Mandanna
Kajal Aggarwal
Sathyaraj
Sharman Joshi
Prateik Babbar
Sanjay Kapoor
Anjini Dhawan
Jatin Sarna
Kishore Kumar
Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
Production Banner: NGE Pvt Ltd & Salman Khan Films
Music: Pritam & Santhosh Narayanan
Introduction: A Long-Awaited Comeback
It’s been a staggering eight years since Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has seen a unanimous hit, with Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) marking his last significant success. In a desperate bid to regain his foothold, he enlisted the help of renowned Tamil director A. R. Murugadoss and cast the current sensation Rashmika Mandanna. Released as an Eid special, the film, Sikandar, sets high hopes for a revival. But does it deliver?
What’s the Plot?
Sikandar follows Sanjay Rajkot, played by Salman Khan, as he navigates the treacherous waters of personal loss and vengeance. Sanjay tangles with Arjun Pradhan (Prateik Babbar), the son of a corrupt minister, Pradhan (Sathyaraj).
After a violent altercation, tragedy strikes when Sanjay's devoted wife Saisri (Rashmika Mandanna) loses her life while trying to protect him. Devastated by her death, Sanjay soon learns of her wish to donate her organs. The revelation prompts him to seek out the recipients of Saisri’s organs, leading him into a maze of grief, revenge, and unexpected consequences.
Performance Analysis: The Heart of the Matter
Salman Khan's Lackluster Return
In Sikandar, Salman Khan appears disconnected from his character. His performance as a grieving husband lacks the depth and emotional weight that such a role demands. Even during the much-anticipated action scenes, he seems a shadow of his former self, failing to ignite the screen in his usual charismatic fashion.
Rashmika Mandanna: A Mixed Bag
Rashmika Mandanna gives a decent performance as Saisri, embodying the virtues of a loving wife. However, the evident lack of chemistry between her and Salman detracts from the emotional scenes they share. Kajal Agarwal, in a role reminiscent of her character in Bigil, manages to shine in a limited capacity, though her potential remains unfulfilled.
Supporting Cast: Missed Opportunities
The supporting characters, including Sathyaraj as the antagonist and Sharman Joshi, do not leave a lasting impression due to poorly developed roles. On a brighter note, Jatin Sarna, playing a Mumbai taxi driver, infuses a few comedic moments into an otherwise dreary narrative.
Technical Aspects: Where It Falls Flat
Music and Score: A Forgettable Affair
The soundtrack by Pritam fails to leave an impact, with no memorable tunes to speak of. Coupled with Santhosh Narayanan's uninspired background score, the musical elements feel more like distractive filler rather than enriching the film’s emotional resonance.
Visuals: A Missed Mark
Even the usually talented cinematographer Thirunavukarasu delivers a lackluster performance, leaving the film visually unremarkable. The editing by Vivek Harshan shows signs of struggle; with an unimpressive script to work with, there's little he could do to salvage the flow of the narrative. Production values from NGE Pvt Ltd & Salman Khan Films are professional but fail to elevate the film's mediocrity.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag
Pros: Mildly Engaging Elements
The first 15-20 minutes before the interval present mildly engaging moments, encapsulating a glimpse of potential.
Cons: A Long List of Shortcomings
Outdated screenplay
Poor direction
Subpar performances
Unnecessary songs
Incoherent background score
Misleading promotional material
Concluding Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Sikandar had all the ingredients for success—star power, a promising premise, and acclaimed collaborators—but it simmered down to a lackluster dish. A.R. Murugadoss's attempt to blend emotional drama with action comes off as a patchwork of clichés and unoriginal sequences, devoid of the director’s usual creative flair.
In a world where audiences crave authenticity and innovation, Sikandar offers neither. Unfortunately, it marks Murugadoss's weakest work to date, leaving fans and critics alike hoping for a stronger comeback in the future.
Final Verdict: 1.75/5
For a film that promised so much, Sikandar fails to resonate, leaving viewers disheartened rather than entertained. As Salman Khan's stardom may draw initial crowds, sustaining interest in this emotional saga seems unlikely.
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The Evolution of Salman Khan: From Dabangg to Sikandar
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