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Sikandar movie review: Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna’s massy act crashes; Bhaijaan sleepwalks through yet another predictable film
Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna's Highly Anticipated Film **Sikandar** Turns Into a Major Disappointment. Here's Why.
Published: March 30, 2025 5:04 PM IST
By Shawn Dass
**Salman Khan’s latest film, Sikandar, has stormed into theaters in time for Eid**, delivering promises of **high-octane action**, **larger-than-life heroism**, and an impressive mass appeal that has defined our beloved superstar's career. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the mind behind blockbusters like Ghajini and Holiday, Sikandar is crafted as a full-throttle entertainer designed to thrill Salman’s loyal fanbase. However, **the film ultimately falters**, revealing a disappointing narrative thread that struggles to keep audiences engaged.
Sikandar's Plot: Entertaining Yet Predictable
In Sikandar, Salman takes on the role of **Sanjay Rajkot**, a royal king turned vigilante who adopts the name Sikandar following a tragic incident involving his wife, **Saishree Maharani** (played by Rashmika Mandanna). His journey for revenge pits him against a powerful political mafia led by a ruthless minister (Sathyaraj) and his violent son (Prateik Babbar). While the overarching quest for vengeance holds potential, the execution leans heavily on bombastic action sequences rather than providing a **compelling narrative**.
The film employs a **predictable revenge template**, reminiscent of earlier Salman hits like Dabangg and Wanted. From explosive entry scenes where he single-handedly dispatches foes to his signature slow-motion walks, every moment is designed for his devoted fans. Dialogue like **“Main Sikandar hoon, aur Sikandar kabhi haar nahi maanta!”** is poised to invite whistles from the audience, but it often feels like a **tired rehash** of familiar tropes rather than an innovatively scripted storyline.
Love Salman, but Crave Deeper Acting
While Salman Khan's charisma continues to shine, his performance in Sikandar is notably lacking in emotional depth, an element profound in his previous works like Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Instead of the masterful nuances we have come to expect, we are treated to a **larger-than-life hero** who, while entertaining, feels entrenched in repetition. The overwhelming action sequences overshadow emotional arcs, reducing poignant moments into mere melodrama.
Rashmika Mandanna's potential is similarly underutilized in this film. Although she’s one of Bollywood’s **most promising stars**, her role as Saishree primarily serves as a catalyst for Sanjay’s revenge. The on-screen romance feels forced, hampered by their significant **31-year age gap**, which the narrative scarcely addresses. As a result, their chemistry comes off as lukewarm, leaving the audience feeling detached from their love story.
Even in emotionally charged episodes, Rashmika is confined to **superficial flashbacks** that fail to create a meaningful backstory. Instead of forging a deeper connection between the characters, the film opts for **style over substance**, ultimately undermining its emotional resonance.
Moreover, the action scenes often feel exaggerated and cartoonish, which might entertain die-hard Salman fans, but could alienate viewers seeking a **more grounded experience**.
Emotional Depth and Villain Dynamics: A Missed Opportunity
One of Sikandar's most glaring shortcomings is its **emotional shallowness**. Sanjay's grief, the subplot surrounding Saishree’s organ donation, and the relationships formed with the recipients are all rushed and poorly developed. Instead of *genuine emotional beats*, the film relies on **dramatic slow-mos and high-volume background scores**, attempting to manufacture feelings that aren't authentically earned.
The villains, portrayed by Sathyaraj and Prateik Babbar, lack the menacing presence necessary to elevate the stakes. They fade into the background instead of standing out as formidable adversaries, devoid of any lasting impact. The film's irony? Salman’s main face-offs consist of merely a couple of skirmishes lacking a visceral confrontational climax, which diminishes the overall intensity of the storytelling.
Verdict: A Mixed Bag for Fans
In summary, **Sikandar is unapologetically a massy Salman Khan film**. If you're among his ardent fans, you’ll likely exit the theater exhilarated, applauding his heroic antics. However, for those seeking strong storytelling and emotional depth, the film underdelivers. Elements like the weak romantic subplot and insufficient character dynamics detract from what could have been a more engrossing viewing experience. In essence, **Sikandar** is quintessentially designed to be exactly what it claims to be—a grand, larger-than-life spectacle for Salman Khan fans. It might not aim for critical acclaim, but it certainly aims to entertain. And for a film releasing during Eid, maybe that’s all that’s needed.
Rating: 2.5/5
