### Unpacking *Sikandar*: A Salman Khan Flick That Missed the Mark
#### Cast Overview
**Starring:** Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, Jatin Sarna
**Directed by:** AR Murugadoss
**Rating:** ★★
The lead-up to the **release of *Sikandar*** generated a whirlwind of excitement, especially considering the one-and-only **Salman Khan** at the helm of this action-driven narrative. Yet, as we settled into our theater seats, curiosity quickly transitioned to concern. With the **trailer dropping just a week before** release and whispers suggesting the film underwent frantic editing up to its launch, one couldn’t shake off the lingering feeling that something was amiss.
### The Premise: What *Sikandar* Is About
At the heart of *Sikandar* lies Sanjay Rajkot, affectionately known as "Raja ji" (played by **Salman Khan**). This benevolent leader is adored by his people for his benevolence, and he leans heavily on his wife, Saishri (**Rashmika Mandanna**), a character cloaked in protective instinct. As expected in Bollywood narratives, trouble brews when a corrupt minister and his ne'er-do-well son cross paths with Sikandar, leading to inevitable chaos.
### Direction and Screenplay: A Missed Opportunity
**AR Murugadoss’s direction** leaves much to be desired. The film kicks off with a **bang—Salman’s grand entry**—only to fizzle out as the plot unfolds. The **screenplay** suffers from a **lack of depth and urgency**, particularly in the first half. Scenes feel disjointed, and **editing** by Vivek Harshan appears haphazard. A missed opportunity presents itself: the narrative could have benefited from **more nuanced character motivation**, echoing the emotional beats of Khan’s earlier hit, *Sultan* (2015). But alas, the **linear storytelling** robbed *Sikandar* of any emotional resonance.
### Performance Insights: Salman and Rashmika
**Salman Khan** still exudes star power, especially in action sequences, commanding attention even with a mere stance on the battlefield. However, **Murugadoss’s lackluster direction** regrettably casts doubt on Khan's talent, making him seem more porous than he truly is. Then there's **Rashmika Mandanna**, whose efforts fall flat. Her performance is riddled with stilted dialogue delivery, ultimately making her character’s insights—like the cringe-worthy line about their age difference—painfully unconvincing. And about that rendition of Lata Mangeshkar's *Lag Jaa Gale*? Let’s just say it didn't soar.
### What Works, What Doesn’t
* While **Sharman Joshi**, as Salman’s on-screen ally, adds an unexpected layer, one can't help but wonder what led him to accept such a minor role. But perhaps even more problematic is **Sathyaraj**'s portrayal of **Minister Pradhan**, which comes off as laughably unmenacing. The dialogue, heavily dubbed, lacks coherence and leaves him stranded as just a backdrop amidst the chaos.
* **Prateik Babbar** makes a brief yet unimpressive appearance that ultimately leaves audiences relieved that his character's fate is sealed quickly.
* The iconic **dialogues** and **music** that typically characterize Salman Khan's films here are notably absent. The **background score** occasionally lifts, but it's mainly during action sequences, failing to do justice to the film's tone.
### The Verdict: A Disappointing Eidi
Ultimately, *Sikandar* fails to deliver the **blockbuster experience** fans have come to expect from *Bhai*. Historically, Khan's films sparked joy, resonating with audiences on both emotional and entertainment levels. But this time, those sentiments fall flat. If the iconic Salman was once synonymous with captivating cinema, this offering feels like a stark departure. As a viewer, it leaves a sense of longing: **cannot wait for the next hit** to reclaim that lost magic.
In this world of cinematic thrills, *Sikandar* might just serve as a cautionary tale—a reminder that not all star-studded ventures shine brightly.
