Sikandar Movie Review: A Mixed Bag from Salman Khan and AR Murugadoss
Movie Details
Name: Sikandar
Director: AR Murugadoss
Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Prateik, Smita Patil, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj
Writers: AR Murugadoss, Rajat Arora, Hussain Dalal, Abbas Dalal
Rating: ⭐️⭐️/5
The Plot Overview
Sikandar introduces us to Sanjay Rajkot (played by the iconic Salman Khan), a beloved figure in Rajkot, known for his altruism and dedication to society. Sanjay's life seemingly revolves around his wife, Saishree (portrayed by the talented Rashmika Mandanna), but his responsibilities often keep him from cherishing their relationship fully.
When an escalating rivalry with a political leader in Mumbai culminates in personal tragedy, Sanjay's guilt pushes him into the urban chaos. His quest for redemption is at the heart of the film, but as is the case with many mass entertainers, the execution leaves much to be desired.
What Works for Sikandar?
There are aspects of Sikandar that shine like a beacon amidst the fog of mediocrity.
Salman Khan's Star Power: As always, Salman brings charisma to the screen, especially in action sequences. The anticipation surrounding his Eid releases plays a role in setting the tone. For fans, encountering Bhai in action is, without a doubt, exhilarating.
Action Sequences: The action is a key highlight, cleverly staged to cater to Salman's fanbase. If your expectations are tempered following a lukewarm trailer, you might find enjoyment in the film's adrenaline-fueled moments.
The film adheres to the tropes of Salman Khan's mass entertainment formula, balancing action with moments showcasing his philanthropic brand, Being Human.
What Falls Short for Sikandar?
Despite its promising elements, Sikandar ultimately teeters into the territory of disappointment:
Underwhelming Storyline: The narrative, while seemingly rich in potential, suffers from a lack of depth and engagement. There are hints of emotional weight throughout, but the execution is half-hearted, leading to a more tedious experience than thrilling.
Dialogue and Music: The dialogues often border on the mundane, failing to leave a lasting impact or provide the entertainment expected in a blockbuster. Additionally, the music and background score do little to elevate the film's emotional stakes.
Direction: AR Murugadoss, known for compelling narratives in films like Ghajini and Holiday, falters here. His direction lacks the flair needed to captivate audiences, making it difficult to resonate with the characters or their struggles.
Performances and Direction
Salman Khan's brilliance almost feels dimmed. He excels in action but stumbles in dramatic moments, conveying little emotional resonance. Rashmika Mandanna struggles with a role that offers scant opportunity for her talent to shine. Both Sharman Joshi and Kajal Aggarwal find themselves sidelined, contributing little to the overall narrative.
Sathyaraj and Prateik Smita Patil are forgettable at best, leaving the audience longing for more substantial character arcs. Even Anjini Dhawan, who is often impressive, is relegated to the background.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Sikandar is a film that fails to deliver on its ambitious promises. A decent storyline marred by weak performances and uninspired direction barely scratches the surface of what a true mass entertainer should achieve. With the absence of strong emotional connections and an engaging score, the film leaves little to imprint in the minds of viewers.
For those who seek a festive Salman spectacle, you might find fleeting joys in Sikandar, but for any craving substantive cinema, this might not be your cup of tea.
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