Sikandar Movie Review: A Misstep in Masala Entertainment
Eid has arrived, and with it, the highly anticipated return of our homegrown Robin Hood, Salman Khan. However, watching a Salman Khan film today can feel akin to waiting for a significant political change—not entirely hopeful, yet you cling to a glimmer of optimism that maybe this time, things will surprise you.
The Familiar Struggle
Upon diving into Sikandar, it becomes glaringly apparent that this film is not a departure from the Salman Khan formula; instead, it is a rehash of the same tropes that have permeated his movies for the past 15 years. It seems even the directors have succumbed to this repetitive cycle, trading creativity and narrative for the unwavering appeal of Khan's star power.
In Sikandar, Khan portrays a messiah—a character whose wealth and influence cultivate an almost royal presence in Rajkot. Unlike the traditional Robin Hood, our hero doesn't rob from the rich to give to the poor; rather, Sikandar’s abundance allows him to tackle societal issues without blinking an eye. Ironically enough, he seems so focused on helping others that he neglects his wife, Saisri, played by Rashmika Mandanna.
Supporting Casts and Character Development
Mandanna embodies the quintessential manic pixie dream girl, a character archetype without depth, designed purely to provide a backdrop for Sikandar’s heroics. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t allow her to evolve beyond this stereotype, showcasing the problematic nature of character development in a Salman Khan film.
Meanwhile, Sharman Joshi joins the cast as Khan’s right-hand man. Sadly, his role is so insubstantial that it feels like a waste of talent. During the film's lengthy 150 minutes, viewers are left longing for a single memorable moment that would justify his presence on screen. Instead, Sikandar gets caught in an endless loop of action sequences, musical numbers, and one-liners, sidelining an impressive ensemble cast that includes actors like Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar.
A Shift in the Plot
As the narrative progresses, the story shifts to Mumbai, igniting Sikandar's quest to save three people in need of Saisri's organs after an early tragedy strikes. Spoiler alert: Saisri meets her demise while attempting to rescue Sikandar. This triggers a guilt-driven overcorrection from Sikandar, who fails to honor her as a person, choosing instead to keep her in a state of nostalgic idealization through flashbacks that awkwardly juxtapose her with songs meant to resonate emotionally.
A Diminishing Audience Experience
Interestingly, the atmosphere in the theater was noticeably lacking. Despite booking tickets in advance, the audience turnout was sparse—a far cry from the frenzied crowds of years past for films like Wanted, Dabangg, or Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The excessive violence and a convoluted plot are not the only downfall. Perhaps the film's most significant blunder is its failure to provide the much-needed masala entertainment that defined previous Eid releases. For fans looking for escapism through Khan's larger-than-life persona, Sikandar disappoints miserably.
The Need for Reinvention
As Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan have successfully pivoted in their careers, reaping the rewards of introspection and evolution, it's clear that Salman Khan must take a page from his peers' playbooks. Alarm bells have been ringing for some time in the realm of his filmography—it’s imperative for him to reassess his approach and embrace reinvention for future audiences.
In conclusion, Sikandar marks not just a disappointing film experience, but also a crucial turning point—one that underscores the urgent need for evolution in Bollywood’s superstar narratives.
Also Read: Salman Khan’s Sikandar leaked online ahead of release, authorities remove pirated version from 600 sites
As the credits roll on this not-so-massy venture, one is left wondering: could the King of Bollywood still surprise us in the future?
