Director: A.R. Murugadoss
Cast: Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Duration: 140 minutes
Production: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment

Story

“Sikandar” follows the journey of a fiery young man (Salman Khan) who rises against a corrupt system to champion the rights of the downtrodden in a nation riddled with injustice. The narrative blends a classic underdog tale with a modern action thriller twist, incorporating emotional stakes through his bond with his wife (Rashmika Mandanna), whose influence transforms him into a selfless hero. While the premise carries echoes of A.R. Murugadoss’s earlier works like “Ghajini,” it aims to balance mass appeal with a touch of social commentary. However, the story feels overly familiar, leaning heavily on tropes of heroism and sacrifice that fail to break new ground, leaving the plot predictable and at times emotionally distant.

Screenplay

The screenplay, penned by Murugadoss, starts with promise, delivering a brisk setup that hooks viewers with its action-driven opening. Yet, it stumbles as it progresses, bogged down by pacing issues and a cluttered narrative that struggles to juggle action, drama, and emotional beats. The midsection sags with redundant subplots—Sharman Joshi’s character, for instance, feels underutilized and purposeless—while the emotional payoff of Rashmika’s arc lacks the intended resonance due to rushed execution. The dialogue, a mix of punchy one-liners and earnest exchanges, occasionally lands but often feels dated, undermining the film’s attempt at contemporary relevance.

Direction

A.R. Murugadoss, known for crafting taut action thrillers, brings his signature flair to “Sikandar” with visually striking set pieces and a palpable sense of scale. The action sequences, choreographed with precision, showcase Salman Khan’s larger-than-life persona effectively, particularly in the much-talked-about entry scene. However, the direction falters in maintaining narrative coherence. Murugadoss’s attempt to infuse family emotions into a mass entertainer—highlighted in his pre-release interviews—feels half-baked, with the husband-wife dynamic overshadowed by an overemphasis on spectacle. The result is a film that dazzles momentarily but lacks the finesse to tie its ambitious threads together.

Performance

Salman Khan anchors “Sikandar” with his undeniable star power, delivering a performance that thrives in action mode but falters in quieter, emotional scenes. His screen presence remains a draw, yet there’s a visible fatigue in his portrayal,  a reliance on a single-expression approach that limits character depth. Rashmika Mandanna shines as the emotional core, bringing warmth and sincerity to her role, though her impact is curtailed by a screenplay that doesn’t fully explore her character’s potential. The supporting cast—Sathyaraj as a menacing antagonist, Kajal Aggarwal in a brief but effective role, and Prateik Babbar adding intensity—offers solid support, but Sharman Joshi is wasted in an ill-defined part that adds little to the narrative.

Music

Pritam’s songs, including hits like “Zohra Jabeen” and “Bam Bam Bhole,” inject energy into the film, with catchy melodies that resonate with Salman Khan’s fanbase. However, their placement feels forced, disrupting the film’s momentum rather than enhancing it. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score, on the other hand, is a standout, amplifying the intensity of action sequences and lending gravitas to key moments. While the music elevates the cinematic experience, it’s the score that truly aligns with the film’s tone, outshining the songs in impact.

Cinematography and Production Values

Tirru’s cinematography captures the film’s grandeur, from sprawling urban landscapes to intimate confrontations, with a vivid color palette that complements its larger-than-life vibe. The production design, backed by a hefty ₹200 crore budget, ensures a polished look, particularly in the IMAX-worthy action scenes. Yet,  the visual sheen occasionally overshadows the storytelling, prioritizing style over substance.

Overall Impression

“Sikandar” is a quintessential Salman Khan vehicle—big, bold, and brimming with mass appeal—that delivers for fans seeking an Eid spectacle. It excels in moments of high-octane action and boasts a strong musical backbone, but it’s let down by a derivative story, uneven screenplay, and direction that doesn’t fully harness its potential. While it’s a visual treat with commendable performances from its leads, the film struggles to transcend the formulaic, leaving it as a one-time watch rather than a memorable addition to Bollywood’s action canon.

Final Rating: (2/5)

A crowd-pleasing actioner that hits the right notes for Salman Khan devotees but falls short of being a game-changer. Watch it for the star power and stunts; temper expectations for narrative depth.