AR Murugadoss’ direction disappoints in this underwhelming masala entertainer that fails to capture Salman’s signature magic or make use of its star-studded cast.
Sikandar
Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, Jatin Sarna
Director: AR Murugadoss
The trailer for Sikandar arrived just a week before its release, sparking speculation. Was it a marketing move? A last-minute wrap-up? Or a lack of confidence in the film? Unfortunately, the film’s flat narrative leans towards the third theory.
Plot Overview
Salman Khan plays Sanjay Rajkot, fondly called “Raja ji” and “Sikandar” by the people of Rajkot who idolize his benevolent and brave persona. His wife, Saishri (Rashmika Mandanna), fiercely protects him from danger, unknown to him. Trouble begins when Sikandar crosses paths with a corrupt minister and his rogue son.
Direction & Screenplay: A Fumbled Opportunity
Directed and written by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar stumbles from its first frame. The narrative offers no buildup or suspense—jumping straight into action without emotional investment. Editing by Vivek Harshan feels rushed and clunky, and the film fails to offer any impactful twists or character arcs. A potentially gripping story is buried under predictable plot points and missed creative opportunities.
Performances: Salman Struggles to Shine
Salman Khan still has screen presence, especially in action scenes, but even his charm isn’t enough to elevate the dull screenplay. Rashmika Mandanna, while earnest, fails to leave a mark due to poor dialogue delivery and a half-baked character. Her only notable moment is addressing the age gap with Salman’s character, which sadly feels more meta than meaningful.
Sharman Joshi is wasted in a forgettable sidekick role, while veterans like Sathyaraj are severely miscast. Prateik Babbar makes a blink-and-miss appearance—frankly, a lucky escape.
What Works… and What Doesn’t
While the action choreography occasionally packs a punch, Sikandar lacks the signature style and emotional depth Salman fans expect during Eid. The music is uninspired, the dialogues forgettable, and even the background score by Santhosh Narayanan only works in brief spurts during action scenes.
A much-hyped remix of Lag Jaa Gale is a creative disaster—neither the vocals nor the visuals do justice to the classic.
Final Verdict
Sikandar fails to deliver on the promise of a mass entertainer. It lacks both soul and swagger. The story never truly takes off, and not even Salman’s larger-than-life persona can save this film from mediocrity. A forgettable Eid offering.
“Pehle bhai samajh mein nahi aate the, lekin dil mein zaroor aate the. Is baar, voh bhi chhoot gaya.”
Verdict: Watch only if you’re a die-hard Salman fan—or skip it entirely.