Sikandar Movie Review: A High-Octane Action Drama or a Missed Opportunity?
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan returns to the big screen with Sikandar, a high-octane action drama directed by A.R. Murugadoss. With Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Prateik Babbar in pivotal roles, the film aims to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s find out.
Plot Summary: A Hero’s Journey Amidst Chaos
Set in Rajkot, Sikandar revolves around Raja Sahab (Salman Khan), the last heir of a royal family, deeply loved by his people. However, his life takes a dangerous turn when he crosses paths with a corrupt politician’s son, triggering a fierce battle for survival. As Raja Sahab fights against injustice, he finds himself at the center of a political vendetta that threatens everything he stands for.
The film attempts to blend action with emotion, portraying Raja Sahab as both a warrior and a protector of his people. His transformation from a noble royal to a fearless fighter serves as the film’s backbone, offering moments of thrill and tension throughout.
Salman Khan’s Swag Takes Center Stage
True to his mass-appeal persona, Salman Khan dominates the screen with whistle-worthy dialogues, gravity-defying action, and his signature swagger. From slow-motion entries to power-packed fight sequences, Sikandar is designed to cater to his fanbase.
His fight scenes are meticulously choreographed, filled with over-the-top action that his fans adore. However, while his physical presence remains formidable, his emotional depth in grief-stricken moments lacks impact. The film struggles to balance high-octane action with heartfelt drama, making the emotional arcs feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the narrative.
Rashmika Mandanna Shines, But Deserves More Screen Time
Playing Raja Sahab’s wife, Rashmika Mandanna delivers a commendable performance. Her character brings warmth and stability to the story, but unfortunately, she is given limited screen time. Her chemistry with Salman Khan is engaging, yet her role is underwritten, leaving her with little to do beyond supporting the hero’s journey.
The film makes an effort to present her as a strong woman, but she often finds herself sidelined by the larger-than-life protagonist. Bollywood’s tendency to underutilize talented actresses is evident here, as Rashmika’s potential is not fully explored.
Supporting Cast: Underutilized Talent
Despite featuring seasoned actors like Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Kajal Aggarwal, the film fails to capitalize on their acting prowess.
- Sathyaraj, playing the antagonist, lacks the menace needed to make a lasting impact. His character is one-dimensional, with limited depth or motivation beyond being a typical villain.
- Sharman Joshi delivers a decent performance, but his role doesn’t add much weight to the overall plot.
- Kajal Aggarwal and Prateik Babbar have minimal screen time, making their presence feel more like an afterthought.
The lack of a strong, well-developed villain makes the hero’s struggle feel less intense, reducing the overall stakes of the narrative.
Music & Background Score: Elevating the Action
Composed by Pritam, Sikandar’s soundtrack is a definite highlight. Songs like “Zohra Jabeen,” “Bam Bam Bhole,” and “Sikandar Naache” have gained massive popularity on social media, further amplifying the film’s hype.
The background score effectively enhances the tension and excitement throughout the narrative. The pulsating beats and dramatic orchestration elevate the film’s action sequences, making them more immersive. However, while the music succeeds in energizing the audience, the emotional tracks fail to leave a deep impact due to the film’s underdeveloped dramatic moments.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
While Salman Khan fans hail Sikandar as the perfect Eid entertainer, critics have pointed out its predictable storyline and lack of emotional depth. The film sticks to a familiar formula, offering little innovation beyond its action-packed sequences.
What Works:
- Salman Khan’s commanding screen presence
- Stylized action sequences designed for mass appeal
- Engaging music and a pulsating background score
What Falls Short:
- Weak emotional core that fails to connect with the audience
- Underdeveloped antagonist, reducing narrative tension
- Predictable storyline with little originality
Box Office & Leak Controversy
Despite being Salman Khan’s first Eid release in two years, Sikandar has had a moderate advance booking, collecting ₹10 crore before release. While this figure surpasses Mohanlal’s L2: Empuraan, it falls behind Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava, which secured ₹13 crore in advance sales. However, trade experts believe that strong spot bookings and a Sunday release could boost the film’s performance at the box office.
Adding to the challenges, Sikandar faced a major setback when it was leaked online just hours before its theatrical debut. Piracy websites uploaded the full movie, prompting producers to take urgent action in removing unauthorized copies. According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, over 600 websites had to be targeted to curb the spread of the leak. Despite efforts to contain the damage, the early piracy release could impact the film’s earnings, especially in the digital space.
Industry experts suggest that while the leak might dent the film’s initial collections, Salman Khan’s massive fan base and the festive Eid momentum could still drive strong ticket sales.
Final Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Salman Khan Fans
Sikandar thrives on Salman Khan’s star power, high-voltage action, and mass appeal. The film offers exactly what his fans expect—entertainment, action, and larger-than-life moments.
For action lovers and die-hard Salman Khan fans, Sikandar delivers a fun, albeit predictable, experience. However, those looking for a fresh storyline or deep emotional engagement might be disappointed. The lack of a gripping antagonist and a weaker emotional arc prevent it from being a standout film.
Ultimately, Sikandar is a one-time watch, best enjoyed for its action and star power rather than its storytelling depth.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
