“Sikandar” Movie Review: Salman Khan’s Socio-Political Narrative Misses the Mark
Salman Khan has never shied away from tackling complex themes, but in “Sikandar,” he attempts a socio-political commentary that ultimately falls flat. Directed by AR Murugadoss, this film strives for depth but ironically gets lost in the shallow waters of predictability and surface-level symbolism.
A Political Canvas Without Color
In an era where politics and cinema can often intertwine for dramatic effect, one wouldn’t expect a film from Salman Khan to boldly venture into the realm of subversion. Yet here we are. Drawing from Kabir Khan’s successful thematic weave in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Murugadoss attempts to create a compelling protagonist in Sikandar—played by Khan—who is a god-hearted Gujarati royal championing the marginalized. However, this ambition results in a narrative that seems more like a posturing against his detractors than a fully realized character.
Plot Overview: Sikandar's Struggle
In “Sikandar,” we meet Sanjay Rajkot—a.k.a. Sikandar. He is a benevolent ruler who, despite his wealth, is deeply invested in the welfare of his people. The film sets its tone early with a gripping incident on a flight, where Sikandar stands up against a lascivious passenger, only to find out he's the home minister's son. This action sparks a devastating chain reaction, and as personal tragedy strikes, we watch Sikandar spiraling into violence for a cause.
A Character Crippled by Constraints
Despite the potentially riveting premise, Sikandar’s character suffers noticeably from compensation for Khan’s public image. This careful curation of Khan’s persona leaves the character lifeless, akin to Santa without a beard. It appears as though the filmmakers are more concerned about hammering home political correctness than crafting a narrative that emotionally resonates with audiences.
The film is replete with moments designed solely to check boxes off a list of socio-political correctness: from Eid-inspired tunes to Holi celebrations that offer nothing but theatrical melodies and tedious lyrics. Murugadoss attempts to mirror the socio-cultural diversity of India, but the execution feels more like an uninspired PR exercise than a cohesive storytelling experience.
Thematic Ambitions Fall Flat
“Sikandar” intricately attempts to weave messages about organ donation, environmental issues, and moral corruption. Yet these hard-hitting themes lose their weight within a clunky narrative. As Salman Khan straddles the line between himself and his character, the narrative transforms into a mere advertisement for philanthropy and a thinly veiled threat to would-be detractors. His lines, such as “Qayde main rahoge toh fayde main rahoge” (If you behave yourself, you will be safe), appear less as motivational rhetoric and more like a scripted reply to attacks on his personal life.
Production and Performances
Pritam’s music often dances around the pedestrian, failing to elevate the film’s momentum. Murugadoss, known for A-list storytelling, finds himself steering a ship laden with clichés and predictable arcs, making it hard for viewers to engage thoroughly in the unfolding drama. Dialogue is wooden, action choreography feels stale, and the cinematography does little to uplift the film’s aesthetic.
Rashmika Mandanna plays Sikandar’s supportive wife but is relegated to counterbalancing a leading man whose charisma isn’t enough to buoy the overall performance. Supporting actors like Sharman Joshi and Kajal Agarwal bear the brunt of underwritten roles, struggling to lend any substantial heft to the narrative.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In an age where Bollywood can draw inspiration from the political narratives echoed in South Indian cinema, “Sikandar” proves to be a missed opportunity. Instead of a compelling socio-political thriller that challenges the status quo, we receive a reminder of Salman Khan’s massive stardom attempting to do good—yet ending up as flat as a bumper sticker slogan.
As you contemplate whether to catch this film at cinemas, consider that while Sikandar delivers a star-studded promise, it ultimately remains an experience devoid of the emotional and intellectual engagement one expects from significant storytelling in modern cinema.
“Sikandar” is now playing in theaters. Will it inspire meaningful dialogue or simply fade into cinematic oblivion? Only time will tell.
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